The Alpini Respond 'Present' at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics

The Alpini, a symbol of commitment and dedication, officially join the Team26 program for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. After the controversies in March, when they were employed as workers in the construction of the Cortina bobsleigh track, the Milan Cortina 2026 Foundation and the Associazione Nazionale Alpini (ANA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to include hundreds of “black feathers” in the volunteer program.
Following the controversies caused by the employment of the Alpini as workers on construction sites, the new agreement clearly and transparently establishes the role of the Alpini. They will no longer be used as workers but as volunteers supporting logistics and transportation, in line with the Team26 program. The Alpini, in fact, will participate like other volunteers in the organization of the event, contributing to the management of competition areas, Olympic and Paralympic Villages, the Main Media Centre, railway stations, and airports.

The requirements to participate in Team26

The Alpini interested in being part of the program must meet certain requirements, published on the Milan Cortina Foundation's website. It will be necessary to be 18 years old by November 2025, have a good knowledge of Italian or English, participate in selection and training events, and guarantee a minimum availability of 9 non-consecutive days during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The president of the Associazione Nazionale Alpini, Sebastiano Favero, emphasized the importance of this collaboration: "We respond 'present' on the occasion of an event of exceptional importance. We promised it to Mayor Giuseppe Sala in 2019, on the occasion of our centenary of foundation, and as always, we have kept our word. Our volunteers are already trained and have experience in Civil Protection." The participation of the Alpini therefore represents an added value, thanks to their field preparation and the experience gained over the years.

The contribution of Team26 to the Olympics

Anna Laura Iacone, director of human resources at the Milan Cortina 2026 Foundation, highlighted that the contribution of the ANA is essential for the success of the event: “The valuable contribution of the Associazione Nazionale Alpini will be functional to ensure the success of one of the most important sporting events in the world." It is estimated that at least 18,000 volunteers are needed for the organization of the Olympics, a commitment that the Alpini are ready to honor with their experience and dedication.

With this new agreement, the Associazione Nazionale Alpini once again confirms its commitment to defending values and serving the community. Milan-Cortina 2026 will therefore have the support of the Alpini, ready to demonstrate, once again, their spirit of service, just as was promised in 2019.