Cortina d'Ampezzo 1956 between sports organization and international relations

Abstract

The official comments expressed by the Olympic Committees and the press of various nations on the carrying-out of the 1956 Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo were unanimously positive, aligning with the official report of almost 800 pages published by the Italian organization. Subsequent studies, both Italian and international, have confirmed the excellent success of the Italian-brand event in Cortina. Making use of hitherto unexplored primary archival sources, this thesis aims to highlight how this acclaimed success was truthful, but the Italian organisation, in this specific case the General Secretariat of the Games which directed the preparation and carrying out of the event in Cortina, succeeded to overcome major difficulties during the preparation and holding of the Games. The management of the territoriality, the reception and the setting up of the facilities clashed, at least initially, with political and cultural difficulties, which could have caused serious damage, if not resolved. In addition to the possible problems linked to the operation of the facilities and the management of the Games, the organizing committee was faced with some issues in terms of international relations. To be remarked that the Games were held at a time of political tension with neighbouring Austria, due to the ongoing unrest in Italian South Tyrol. Until 1918, Cortina had been Tyrolean and Austrian. The Secretariat of the Organizing Committee scrupulously adhered to the Olympic and international federation regulations, managing to resolve critical situations with a sure hand.