Lecco is set to take center stage on August 30, 2025, as it hosts the event "Alla scoperta dei Piani d’Erna," part of the ambitious project titled 'Cuori Olimpici.' This initiative, approved by the regional government of Lombardy, aims to celebrate and spotlight the region’s culture and attractions as it gears up for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Put forth under the guidance of Barbara Mazzali, the regional assessor for Tourism, Marketing, and Fashion, the 'Cuori Olimpici' project intends to unify the various municipalities of Lombardy through a series of interconnected events, effectively creating what they describe as an "ideal relay of initiatives" leading to the Olympics.
“Lombardy is preparing to experience and celebrate the emotions of the Olympics and Paralympic Winter Games of Milano-Cortina 2026 with a project uniting territories, values, and tradition,” Mazzali explained. The efforts aim to narrate the unique stories and highlights of Lombardy, thereby enhancing the region's visibility on the world stage.
The project officially kicks off on March 9, 2025, with events set to take place across all twelve provinces of Lombardy, culminating at iconic locations like Piani d'Erna. With each stop, the initiative will showcase local talents, heritage, and the tourism offerings inherent to each area. Each municipality along this route is becoming symbolic 'Olimpic Hearts', inviting visitors to explore their unique assets.
"With the ‘Cuori Olimpici’ initiative, we want to make all municipal capitals protagonists," added Mazzali. This project serves not just as preparation for the upcoming Olympic Games, but as a platform to highlight Lombardy’s distinctiveness, portraying it as the heart of culture, innovation, and hospitality.
Events organized under this project will not just celebrate the intent of the Olympics but will contribute to local tourism by creating experiences steeped in Lombardy’s natural beauty and rich history.
The event on August 30 is particularly noteworthy as it will focus on Piani d’Erna, leveraging the scenic grandeur and recreational opportunities it offers to present Lombardy's landscapes to the world.
A blend of Olympic values like excellence, respect, and friendship will echo throughout each event, as participating cities share their stories and aspirations. Mazzali emphasized the importance of presenting Olympus values through this narrative, allowing Lombardy not only to prepare for the games but also to embrace and showcase its unique regional identity.
This is more than just pre-Olympic promotion; it’s about fostering relationships among local communities, engaging stakeholders, and enabling the public to engage with the Olympic spirit long before the event takes place. By discovering Lombardy's offerings, residents and tourists alike can forge bonds, making the 2026 Winter Olympics not just another sporting event, but a celebration of local pride.
Overall, the 'Cuori Olimpici' project stands as Lombardy's beacon leading up to the Winter Olympics, tapping deeply-rooted traditions, cultural innovation, and communal spirit. It positions the region not merely as a host of Olympic events but as the vibrant and inviting heart of the Olympic movement.
