LEZZENO, Italy – The exhibition “Women at the Games” and “Games Ceremonies” has been inaugurated at the Eriolario Yacht Club in Lezzeno, on Lake Como, as part of the Milano Cortina 2026 Cultural Olympiad. The event is a segment of the “Sport movies & tv – culture through olympism” project, organized by FICTs (Fédération Internationale Cinéma Télévision Sportifs), which acts as a springboard for the upcoming 2026 Winter Games.
The initiative intentionally seeks locations outside major urban centers to spread Olympic values at a grassroots level. Young people are the primary target, with the aim of helping them find a suitable sport and, through it, a lifestyle centered on giving one’s best through work and dedication. This philosophy underpins the collaboration with the historic Eriolario Yacht Club, a venue typically closed to the general public, which is lending its space to promote the values of sport, of which the Olympic Games are the ultimate expression.
The photographic display consists of 300 prints mounted on panels, complemented by a 53-minute video. The photos focus on the themes of “Women at the Games” and “Games Ceremonies,” while the video compiles the most thrilling images from past Olympic and Paralympic Games. The exhibition is free to the public and will remain open throughout October.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by prominent sports figures, including FICTs President Professor Franco Ascani; Claudia Giordani, silver medalist at the 1976 Innsbruck Winter Olympics; Elisabetta Sancassani, world champion rower; Emanuela Maccarani, technical director of the Italian National Rhythmic Gymnastics team and Italy’s most decorated coach; Moreno Buccianti, founder and coach of the “Seleçao Sacerdoti” (Priests’ Soccer Team) and the National Nun’s Soccer Team; and young athletes from the Varese Rowing Society. Also present were Mauro Guerra, President of Anci Lombardia, and the Matteri family.
Professor Franco Ascani opened the presentation, stating, “The Olympic Games are the expression of global sport, a heritage at the service of humanity. Preserving and celebrating images of athletes means continuing in the footsteps of Olympic values. The media allows us to pass on the beauty and heritage of sport and to break down all types of borders. At this moment, we are all working together for peace and the Olympic truce.”
Emanuela Maccarani added, “A high-level athlete makes sport their lifestyle even outside of competition. Achieving certain results is entirely dependent on the support staff, who enable the athlete to continue their training and development. This is why the testimonies of those who have achieved such results are vital; otherwise, they are like musical scores left in a drawer.”
For Moreno Buccianti, founder of the unique soccer teams, “sport manages to unite with the Gospel and helps evangelize. Our events are linked to solidarity and charity. We could not forget the Jubilee, for which we have organized the Iubilaeum Cup: the first national soccer tournament among Italian Dioceses, which will take place in Bassano Romano (Viterbo) on November 4-6.”