It was a dream in Turin 2006 and Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games and Rio 2016 Summer Olympics but also at the Italian Expo 2015 Pavilion.
THE CONCEPT Tradition and innovation are going to be combined in the opening ceremony that is going to be broadcast all around the world on July 3. ‘Napoli is an extraordinary inspirational city – Opening Ceremony Director Lida Castelli said – the ‘U’ of Universiadi is perfectly represented by the natural U-shape of Naples’ gulf in a significant meaning of welcome and embracing. We will represent the dialogue between Vesuvio and the sea, between fire and water’.
YOUNG LANGUAGE ‘The ceremony is going to have a contemporary language to engage the targeted public of 18-20 years old – Marco Balich said – the Italian Head Of State, Sergio Mattarella will be present and he’s going to be moved by all the young volunteers that are already being trained to be ready for the event. ‘The stadium will be turned into the Gulf, while Vesuvio will be a mountain on an LED screen giving a futuristic vision of the city – Lida Castelli said, continuing her presentation – the countdown will end with the pitch becoming a water mirror which the aerial ‘Parthenopean mermaid’ will be floating on. On the field another siren will be advancing on a float with a tail of sixty meters of silver that will fill the stadium. We want to keep something secret, but our first aim is to make the spectators feel overwhelmed’. The Stadium San Paolo as a great square of welcoming and vivid cultural commingling.
PARTHENOPEAN MERMAID To represent the mythological birth of the city the Parthenopean mermaid – the mascot of Universiade 2019 – will be represented by Maria Felicia Carraturo: the apnea world record holder in variable weight with the monofin (115 meters in 3.04’). ‘It is going to be a privilege to represent my beautiful city and I will try to inspire the athletes present over there – the Italian Women’s World Record Holder said – I started my competitive career at the age of 41 after two pregnancies, so my message to all of them is that anything is possible, go out and start working on your dreams’.
BEBE VIO ON THE SCENARIUM The podium will later be transformed into a hyper technological postcard in tribute to the international athletes. It will feature two Italian women full of charisma, strength andcourage: the Italian singer Malika Ayane and the Paralympic Champion, university student, Bebe Vio. The famous painting ‘Paestum diver’ will represent with the scene the union between past and present of sport and culture: this feature is going to be one of the most spectacular moments of the ceremony.
THE TORCH The Torch left Torino on June 4 and after passing through the Olympic capital Lausanne arrived yesterday in Milan: among the 15 torchbearers was Roberta Guainieri, Alderwoman for Tourism, Sport and Quality of Life at the Municipality of Milano and Patrizio Oliva, the Napoletan Boxing Olympic Champion, both present at the press conference organized at the Spazio Campania together with Alderwoman for Education and Instruction Laura Galimberti at the Municipality of Milano. As a symbol of the Universiade the Napoli 2019’s torch represented the Campania region, recalling history and tradition while respecting the environment. It measures 80cm in height and weighs 1,5kg: its white and blue surface reflects the colours of the city of Naples.
FROM MILAN TO NAPLES From the reality of the Napoli 30th Summer Universiade to the vivid hope of Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics bid: Italy is trying its best to serve as an international stage for the biggest multisport events.
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