As Milan prepares to welcome the world for the 2026 Winter Games, Opera Cardinal Ferrari chooses to raise his voice for those who risk becoming invisible just when the city puts itself on display. The historic Milanese foundation, which has welcomed homeless people for over a century, launches a clear appeal: Olympic investments must not become a tool of exclusion for the most vulnerable.
«The Olympics represent a moment of great international visibility, an opportunity to celebrate sport and the values of solidarity», explains Luciano Gualzetti, president of Opera Cardinal Ferrari. «Precisely for this reason we believe it is essential that an event of this magnitude do not leave behind the most fragile people of our cities».
The experience of other Olympic metropolises teaches that these major events can have ambivalent effects. If on the one hand they bring urban regeneration and new opportunities, on the other they risk making those who live on the margins invisible, distanced from central spaces so as not to “disturb” the story of an efficient and successful city.
The true Olympic legacy
The number of homeless people in Milan is growing, their hardship often the result of a combination of fragility: economic poverty, loneliness, health problems, complex migratory paths, loss of work and home. In this context, Milano Cortina 2026 represents a test of maturity for the Lombard capital.
«Investments, urban transformations and decorum policies cannot translate into exclusion or forced removals», warns Gualzetti. «We ask that the Olympics also be a concrete opportunity to strengthen social inclusion policies. True success is not measured only in medals or infrastructure, but in the ability to leave a positive legacy for the entire community, starting with those who live on the margins.”
The Olympic spirit is about dignity, respect, equality and peace. Values which, Opera Cardinal Ferrari underlines, must apply to everyone, without exception. The Olympic truce itself, supported by a UN resolution, calls on countries to suspend hostilities during the Games, reaffirming sport as a universal language of peace and cooperation.
The Carissimiadi: Olympics for all
Alongside public reflection, Opera Cardinal Ferrari has chosen to experience the Olympics in an active way, organizing the “Carissimiadi”, a series of initiatives dedicated to the “Carissimi” – this is how the people welcomed by the Foundation are called.
The 4 February, from 2pm to 4.30pma special afternoon of games and sporting activities is planned. Participants, divided into White and Blue teams, will compete in inclusive games designed to encourage fun and team spirit. Everyone will receive symbolic medals made from waste materials, underlining the value of reuse and recognition of each person, regardless of the result.
During the days of the Games, the Salone Nobile of Opera Cardinal Ferrari will become a sharing space where you can follow the Olympic competitions together, transforming the vision of the competitions into a collective moment of meeting and dialogue. The initiatives are carried out in collaboration with the Italian Sports Center and the Milan Oratori Federation.
The foundation lives thanks to the work of over 200 volunteers and supported by private donations, which represent almost 100% of revenue. «For us, talking about the Olympic legacy means asking ourselves what will remain for those who live on the streets today», concludes Gualzetti. «More services, more reception, more reintegration paths. The resources do not run out during the days of the Games, but contribute to strengthening structural policies to combat serious marginalization”.
