The third official event of the Winter World Masters Games Lombardy was held, the most important international winter sports event reserved for athletes ‘over 30’ which will be held from 11 th to 21 st January 2024.
The event is undoubtedly a triumph for the Alpine communities, which have come together to provide an unforgettable experience. A world stage that will observe the participation of over 2.000 athletes from the world over, united in the spirit of competition, friendship and discovery. For the Lombardy Region the event marks the culmination of work that began years ago, with the aim of bringing people and the mountains closer together through concrete and significant
initiatives. Deep gratitude was expressed to the sponsors who through their support and faith have proved essential to bringing this ambitious project to fruition. “It’s thanks to all of them that we can celebrate not only sport and culture, but also the beauty and unique spirit of our region.” said Lara Magoni, Undersecretary with responsibility for Sport and Youth.
Alessandro Mottinelli, of the Consorzio Turistico di Ponte di Legno and CEO of the WWMG Foundation Lombardy 2024 said: “The Federations represent our most important partner. Among these, we number the Italian Ice Sports Federation (FISG), the Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI) and the Italian Skyrunning Federation (FISky).”
The arrival of the snow has reinvigorated the passion of winter sports enthusiasts so the announcement was made on the extension of the registration deadline until 31st December 2023.
Collective wisdom opens the way to great opportunities. Manuela Di Centa, honorary President of the Foundation, had introduced the idea of hosting a leading international event, focusing not only on sport. We aim to attract visitors from around the world, many of whom might be new to the mountains, by offering them the opportunity to discover the joys of skiing, skating and the beauty of our mountain territory.
No global event would be complete without a mascot. Ours, which was presented during the press conference, for the first time, represents the grandest peaks of our mountains: the eagle, emblem of the Stelvio National Park, and the beast that represents us most, because it observes us from above and its abode is in the mountains”.
For the organisation of the 2024 Winter World Masters Games – which has adopted as its core value “sport for life” – nine municipalities were co-opted, seven from Lombardy and two from Trentino: Aprica, Bormio, Chiavenna, Chiesa in Valmalenco, Madesimo, PontediLegno-Tonale, Sondrio (which will host the opening ceremony), Pellizzano and Vermiglio. An important example of territorial collaboration between different mountain locations in the creation of an event that focuses on values of sustainability and excellence.
For the Winter World Masters Games Lombardy 2024, more than 2.000 athletes aged between 30 and 90 from all over the world are anticipated, they will take on a range of challenges in a variety of snow and ice sports disciplines. They will be accompanied by technicians, coaches and supporters.
Each municipality, will be hosting one – or indeed more – sporting specialities: Ponte di legno – Tonale will stage the ski mountaineering, alpine skiing and snow run; Chiavenna the ice hockey tournament; the curling competition is at Madesimo; ski orienteering and speed skating will both feature at Chiesa in Valmalenco; Aprica will host alpine skiing, ski mountaineering and snow volley; Bormio will entertain figure skating and short track; biathlon, cross country and
athletes will be competing at Vermiglio.
Next to the competitions participants and companions will have the opportunity to discover the local traditions of the nine participating municipalities enjoying the nature, culture, history and typical food and wine.
Registrations are still open until 31st December so heard to the website and claim your spot in your favourite sport.
