Starting on November 18, the five-day Virtual Youth Festival celebrated the power of young people and was aimed at increasing youth participation in sport and furthering inclusion.

The event was supported by the International Olympic Committee, International Paralympic Committee and Special Olympics International, among other organisations, and held both online and in Bangkok.

Representing the Milan Cortina 2026 were 18-year-old figure skater Daniel Grassl - a world junior bronze medallist - Youth Olympic speed skater Serena Pergher and 14-year-old skier Lara Colturi, the daughter of Salt Lake City 2002 super-G champion Daniela Ceccarelli.

Samuel Weihprachttizky, a nine-year-old Para-ice hockey player, and skier Rebecca Maestroni also took part in the festival, representing Milan Cortina 2026 in the process.

"We are happy to participate in this initiative that enhances the value of sport, linking it to the growth and training of young people," said Milan Cortina 2026 President and Italian National Olympic Committee President Giovanni Malagò.

"A nerve centre also for Milan Cortina 2026 which aims to develop a futuristic project focused on legacy and sustainability aimed at guaranteeing a future up to the expectations of the new generations through the strength of our movement which, even in such a complex moment, represents a patrimony of hope and positivity."

Italian Paralympic Committee President Luca Pancalli and Special Olympics Italy national director Alessandra Palazzotti also remarked on the Virtual Youth Festival being a positive event.

Children from Milan, Cortina, Bormio, Livigno, Anterselva and Val di Fiemme all contributed to the festival, due to these regions being set to host Olympic and Paralympic events in 2026.