San Marino wanted to hit straight to the heart of the many, including EOC Acting President Janez Kocijančič, Secretary General Raffaele Pagnozzi and a group of EC members, that last night attended the opening ceremony of the XVII Games of Small States of Europe, in front of a passionate audience, with lots of youngsters, many of which participated actively in the show. The opening ceremony ended with a grand finale of a beautiful fireworks show, for a last impressive snapshot.

A few hours before, the EOC officials had participated at the official reception hosted by the Capitani Reggenti ( Captains Regent), the two heads of state of the Republic of San Marino, with President Bach and sports an government authorities.

“Welcome back where it all started,” said the president of the Olympic Committee of San Marino Gian Primo Giardi in his address. “In the last 14 years we have had the honour of appreciating the hospitality of your wonderful countries; the memory of the exciting editions of games that you have organized has increased our commitment and heightened our wish to open the doors of our republic, once again after the historical 1985 and 2001 editions”.

The importance of the event was highlighted by the presence of many sports and government authorities, including IOC president Thomas Bach, who in his address said: “These games confirm the power that sport has to unite all of us. In sport we are all equal; no matter who we are or from where we come. Sport always builds bridges. It never erects walls”.

His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, and their highnesses the Grand Duke Henri and the Grand Duchess Maria Theresa of Luxembourg were among the highest representatives.

The Games have begun; from today it is up to the athletes to give the best of themselves in competitions, some of which the EOC delegation will follow in the coming days.