President Sergio Mattarella on Wednesday handed the Italian flag to Italy's flag-bearers for the Rio Olympics and Paralympics, respectively swimmer Federica Pellegrini and sprinter Martina Caironi, at a ceremony at the presidential place featuring the two teams. Mattarella said the Olympics "are an opportunity for solidarity, peace, friendship, loyalty and competition respecting others".

He also voiced the hope that if Rome lands the 2024 Olympics, it will "leave its mark". Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) President Giovanni Malagò told Mattarella "the athletes will do their utmost to honour the Azzurri colours" and said they "represent our country's pride". Pellegrini said "I hope to realise even bigger dreams in Rio".

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Source: http://www.ansa.it/