Rome, June 26 (LaPresse) – “Each of you is here because you were elected, you represent a category, and that is something to be proud of. The same pride I’ve felt throughout these 12 years. I say this to those who supported me, but also to those who criticized me. I thank you all — long live CONI.”
These were the words of outgoing CONI President Giovanni Malagò, addressing the council members voting today to elect his successor at the Italian National Olympic Committee’s electoral assembly, held at the ‘Giulio Onesti’ Olympic Training Center.
“We are at the heart of the center named after Giulio Onesti. I strongly wanted to host this electoral assembly here, at the CPO, where our history lives. This place was designed to support those competing in the Games, just a few meters from the Olympic Village. I believe this is something that CONI and everyone here should be truly proud of,” Malagò added on his last day after 12 years in office.
“I must remind you that, as CONI council members, you hold a public role because we are a public entity. CONI is a special institution — the most beautiful of all — a public body that also answers to a global organization, the IOC.
We are the only ones authorized to use those beautiful Olympic rings. And, as fate would have it, the next turn is ours — we will be hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games,” he concluded.