Rome, February 24, 2026 – A significant initiative, spearheaded from Rome, is taking shape in the run-up to the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Cassa Galeno has put forward a proposal for the creation of a university training center specializing in sports medicine in Cortina d’Ampezzo. This project aims to leverage the global spotlight of the Olympic Games to establish a lasting legacy in the fields of sports health and prevention.
A Roman Impetus for Cortina: The Genesis of the Project
The concept for the training center emerged from a meeting organized by Cassa Galeno with key representatives from GVM Care & Research and Longlife Formula Spa. The discussions focused on developing a pathway for the establishment of a university-level sports medicine institution in Cortina. This initiative highlights the active role of Roman professional bodies and institutions in promoting health and well-being.
Francesco Riva, Head of External Relations for Galeno and a CNEL advisor, has been at the forefront of these discussions, engaging with Ettore Sansavini, President of GVM Group, and Lucia Magnani, Administrator of Longlife. Their collective efforts underscore a shared commitment to advancing sports medicine education and research.
Focus on Prevention and Healthy Lifestyles
A central theme of the discussions was the critical importance of physical activity as a primary method for preventing various diseases. Sansavini outlined GVM Group’s philosophy, which emphasizes an innovative approach to healthcare both in Italy and internationally. Magnani presented the Longlife model, which is based on a precise understanding of oxidative processes and their impact on health.
Riva further emphasized the necessity of incorporating a bill on lifestyle, proposed by CNEL and its president Renato Brunetta, into national legislation. This move reinforces Rome’s position as a hub for legislative and cultural development in the areas of health and prevention.
The Cortina Proposal and Collaboration with the European University of Rome
During the meeting, Riva proposed to Sansavini the establishment of a university training center for sports medicine in Cortina, utilizing the Codivilla-Putti facilities. This proposal draws inspiration from the recent launch of a degree course in medicine and surgery in collaboration with the European University of Rome, facilitated through the GVM Group.
The idea garnered broad support from all participants, including internationally renowned sports physicians. A dedicated working group will now be formed to further develop the project, with Cassa Galeno committed to its national implementation.
Milano-Cortina 2026: An Opportunity for the Nation
This ambitious project is strategically aligned with the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, aiming to transform the event into a structural opportunity for training and research in sports medicine. Rome’s proactive stance seeks to solidify Cortina’s role as a center of excellence, integrating clinical activities, prevention, and university education. This endeavor will strengthen the vital connection between sports, health, and regional development, further cementing Rome’s leadership in promoting innovative lifestyle policies.
The initiative is expected to contribute significantly to the advancement of sports medicine, creating a lasting legacy that extends beyond the 2026 Games. It underscores the potential for major sporting events to drive long-term societal benefits, particularly in health and education.
