The future is already being written in Ancona today: it already feels like Rieti 2026. The Italian U18 Indoor Championships are a proud step toward the continental event, celebrating with fun, gadgets, and hope as we eagerly await the European Athletics U18 Championships in Rieti (July 16 to 19).
While waiting for the medals, many athletes pinned badges with the slogan “Are you Rieti?!” to their shirts or backpacks. First hunted down throughout the PalaCasali in a special treasure hunt, then proudly shown off on social media to kick off a collective countdown through stories and posts tagging the official Instagram account @earieti2026.
And on Rieti 2026’s social channels, the dreams of young athletes continue to grow, this time in the form of post‑its stuck on the message board by many of the 700 athletes aged 16 and 17.
With a simple phrase and a small note, they shape their hopes: “Never give up,” “Keep believing,” “I want to achieve the qualification standard” and even “See you on the track and in the field” from those who, after the first events in Ancona, already feel confident about wearing the Italian jersey under the shadow of Mount Terminillo.
The Rieti 2026 mascot, Sabina, pays tribute to the city and the Rieti region, which in mid‑July will open its doors to welcome Europe in the heart of Italy.
Selfies and photos abound, along with t‑shirts featuring the event logo, launched into the PalaCasali stands for the many young athletes dreaming of competing at the European Championships. A jump, a run, a throw to perform at home, wearing the blue of Italy.