The 2013 Winter Universiade Torch visited the Farnesina today, 7 November 2013, and was welcomed by Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Mario Giro. The visit celebrates the Universiade taking place from 11 to 21 December in Trentino, in which 3600 athletes from 61 countries will be competing.
Sport promotes the values of loyalty, team-spirit and fair play
Giro reminded those present that the first Universiade took place in Italy in 1948. He underscored the power of sport in promoting “the values of loyalty, team-spirit and fair play and its strong positive input, especially for young people”.
The Foreign Ministry “supports cooperation in the academic and sports spheres as a vehicle for mutual understanding amongst peoples”, he continued.
The torch, whose design is inspired by a mountain flower, was lit by Pope Francis yesterday, 6 November, at the Vatican. The “torch-bearers” then took it to Palazzo Chigi, the seat of the Prime Minister’s office, and on to Campidoglio, the home of Rome’s city council. On reaching the Farnesina the torch was handed to Olympic fencing gold-medallist, Aldo Montano, who carried it to the nearby Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) headquarters. Its journey will continue with visits to Italy’s major universities.
