Milan's Olympic Harmony: A Call for Unity

The 2026 Winter Olympics commenced with an opening ceremony themed "Harmony," a Greek derivative signifying the "bringing together of what is different." This ceremony aimed to unite territories, people, and values with a shared vision, offering a hopeful message in a world often marked by conflict. Despite criticisms of the Olympics, the opening ceremony highlighted sport's power to inspire and uplift.

Events unfolded across multiple locations, including Milan, Cortina d'Ampezzo, and various mountain sites, embodying the "harmonious journey" concept. This approach aimed to showcase the intersection of city and mountain, humanity and nature, and past and future within Italy. A key moment was the powerful ovation for Ukraine's 46 athletes, representing a nation impacted by ongoing conflict, underscoring the theme of supporting underdogs.

While the ceremony celebrated unity, there were instances of dissent, with scattered boos heard during the introduction of the United States delegation. Italian President Sergio Mattarella emphasized unity, stating that the athletes' presence illustrated that unity is possible even amidst global conflict. IOC President Kirsty Coventry reminded Olympians that strength encompasses courage, empathy, and heart, echoing a sentiment previously shared by coach Doc Rivers.