A colourful river of flags flowed through the heart of the city. The Rieti 2026 European Athletics U18 Championships are officially underway and, with the parade of the 48 participating nations, Rieti has become the capital of European youth athletics. From the medieval walls to the Roman Bridge, passing through Via Roma and Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II before reaching Piazza Cesare Battisti, a delegation of the more than 1,100 athletes received a warm welcome from the people of Rieti along the approximately one-kilometre route.
ITALY RECEIVES THE LOUDEST CHEERS - The warmest applause was reserved for the Italian team, welcomed by the national flag and the notes of the Italian national anthem. The host nation, made up of 75 athletes, will be led by captains Kelly Doualla and Antony Del Pioluogo, appointed during the technical meeting held on the eve of the championships at the Carabinieri Forestry School in Cittaducale.
As highlighted during the pre-event press conference, the Italian team is aiming to compete at its very best while embracing the unique experience of taking part in a home European Championships. The city's enthusiasm is also reflected in ticket sales: the Velino Stand is already sold out, while tickets for the Terminillo Stand continue to sell quickly, with prices ranging from €5 to €15.
The opening ceremony in Piazza Cesare Battisti, attended by civil, military, religious and sporting authorities, more than 450 volunteers and representatives of the participating delegations, concluded with the official declaration by the Mayor of Rieti, Daniele Sinibaldi: "I declare the European Athletics U18 Championships officially open”.
"YOU ARE OUR HOPE" - The Mayor underlined the importance of the event for both Rieti and the young athletes: "Rieti returns to the centre of the international athletics map by welcoming Europe's most precious resource: its young people. These Championships are a symbol of renewal, unity and confidence in the future. At the Guidobaldi Stadium tomorrow's champions will emerge, but above all we will witness the truest values of sport: respect, sacrifice, fairness and the ability to overcome every barrier. Fill the stands and let these young athletes feel the warmth of our city”.
Local Organising Committee President Riccardo Guerci stressed the significance of the championships for the city and praised the teamwork behind the event: "Rieti is known around the world as the City of Athletics, and today that story continues with you. For the next few days it will be the home of European athletics thanks to the collaboration of institutions, the federation, partners and, above all, our 450 volunteers—the beating heart of these Championships. To the athletes I say: compete with courage and respect. Every one of you will take home an unforgettable experience”.
THE FUTURE OF EUROPEAN ATHLETICS - Italian Athletics Federation (FIDAL) President Stefano Mei described Rieti as the ideal place for the future of athletics to take shape: "These Championships hold a special place because you represent the future of European athletics. Rieti has already witnessed the birth of great champions, and many athletes who competed here went on to become world stars. For the next four days this city will be home to the finest young athletes on the continent. Compete with courage, believe in your dreams and enjoy every moment of this extraordinary experience”.
European Athletics President Dobromir Karamarinov thanked everyone involved in organising the event and addressed the young competitors: "Rieti is a great athletics city, and over the coming days we will see the future of our sport here. My thanks go to FIDAL, the Municipality of Rieti, the Lazio Region, the Local Organising Committee and the European Athletics team for their outstanding work. To all the athletes I want to say this: remember that every challenge is an opportunity. Good luck in these Championships and in your future".
From Thursday onwards, attention shifts to the track and field at the Raul Guidobaldi Stadium. For four days, until Sunday, Rieti will be the centre of European athletics, ready to celebrate the champions of tomorrow.