Tales of people

For any athlete, to participate in the Games is a life-long aim.

Besides the effort to excel, participating in the Games is a unique experience which every athlete perceives in a different way.

Participation means rivalry, effort, transcending limits, rewards. It means pain, defeat, but also new friendships, worthwhile experiences.

Participation shapes individual and collective identity.

The athlete who participates in the Games represents not only himself, but also his country and the social group to which he belongs.

Often the athlete, through his effort to transcend his personal limitations, becomes a role model,a symbol of progress, a world hero, a "legend".