Olympics: the 2026 Ski Race Cup comes to Folgaria
Folgaria breathed a special energy last weekend when the first 2026 Ski Race Cup meeting for Fisdir Athletes took place. It was an event that exceeded all expectations, registering an unprecedented number of participants for the season opener: more than 60 athletes from 11 sports clubs, a powerful sign of a movement that is growing, strengthening and dreaming big.
Now in its third year, the Ski Race Cup was born from the philanthropic fund “the intellectually impaired revolution” and thrives thanks to the support of innovative companies and spontaneous donations from individuals who believe in the value of sport as a driver of change. With the support of the Scie di Passione association, led by Stefano Carbone, and Agonistica Ponte dell’Olio, the athletes competed in the Giant Slalom and Special Slalom disciplines, transforming the snow into a stage of excitement and determination.
In the Men’s Giant Slalom, Manuel Volgger, Luca Vergnano and Cristian Bortoli, bearers of Sport & Friends Sudtirol, Sport Disabili Piemonte and Sci Club Due Monfalcone, respectively, shone among the men’s absolute athletes. On the women’s side, the podium was dominated by Rebecca Maestroni, Eugenia Zucchiatti and Alessia Mancini: Rebecca and Alessia brought glory to the Agonistica Ponte dell’Olio Ski Team, while Eugenia proudly defended the colors of the Sci Club Due Monfalcone.
The most powerful moment was the one of the women’s podium.
The most powerful moment, the one destined to remain in everyone’s memory, was the flash-mob organized by the athletes to shout to the world #Olimpieremo. A simple and revolutionary message: the desire to see alpine skiing for athletes with intellectual-relational disabilities recognized among Paralympic disciplines.
On the snow, the five Olympic circles designed and “inhabited” by the athletes created an iconic image. A living symbol of inclusion, integration and hope. A photograph that speaks more than a thousand words and perfectly embodies the spirit of this movement. Once again, the Ski Race Cup for Fisdir Athletes showed that sport is much more than a competition: it is a bridge that unites, a universal language capable of breaking down barriers and prejudices, an opportunity to grow and make society grow.
The competitions provided authentic emotions: athletes who overcome limits, who surprise, who inspire. Athletes who demand, with the force of facts, what they deserve: space, visibility and a clear path to major international events – including the Olympics. The movement makes a loud and clear appeal: inclusion cannot remain an abstract ideal. It must become a concrete opportunity. Because these kids, with their talent and determination, are already showing the whole of Italy what it means to believe in their dreams and turn them into reality.
