It was incredible!
The last leg of the Flame of Knowledge of the Torino 2025 FISU World University Games travelled through Torino, the city where it all began in 1959, starting from its historical CUS Torino headquarters in Via Braccini and touching the city’s key landmarks, to officially launch the Games.
In anticipation of tonight’s Opening Ceremony at the Inalpi Arena, a long series of distinguished torchbearers participated in various stages of the Flame’s journey, creating moments of high emotional impact.
President Riccardo D’Elicio initiated the tour, passing the Flame to FISU President Leonz Eder and FederCusi President Lorenzo Lentini. The relay continued in front of the Politecnico and Porta Susa, with MPs Mauro Berruto and Daniela Ruffini among the torchbearers involved.
The Flame then reached the City Hall, where it was carried by the Sports Councillor Domenico Carretta, who handed it over to Mayor Stefano Lo Russo in Piazza Palazzo di Città. The mayor then passed it to Deputy Mayor Michela Favaro, joined by other councillors Francesco Tresso, Carlotta Salerno, Paolo Mazzoleni, City Council President Maria Grazia Grippo, and various other council members.
The relay passed through Districts 6 and 7 before arriving at the Murazzi along the Po River for a scenic water relay organized by the rowing section of CUS Torino, during which Emilia Lodigiani, President of FederCanoa, handed the Flame to Olympic champion Alessandra Faella.
The next stop was the Regina Margherita Hospital, where Professor Franca Fagioli, Director of the Department of Child Pathology and Care, and Olympic judo champion Manuel Lombardo took turns as torchbearers, before the Flame reached the Palavela, the venue for figure skating and short track competitions.
The next stop was the Skyscraper of the Piemonte Region, in a relay race involving councillors Marina Chiarelli, Gian Luigi Vignale, Andrea Tronzano and several councillors.
Finally, the Flame arrived at Piazzale Grande Torino under the Marathon Tower, carried, among other torchbearers, by Juventus Woman and National team football player Barbara Bonansea, followed by Jacopo Suppo, deputy mayor of the Metropolitan City of Torino, Fabrizio Ricca, regional councillor and member of the Universiade board of directors, Stefano Mossino, president of CONI Piemonte, Lorenzo Lentini, of FederCusi. The penultimate torchbearer, who handed the Flame to the President of the Organizing Committee Alessandro Ciro Sciretti, was President Alberto Cirio, right in front of the entrance to the Inalpi Arena, ready to be filled with magic and music for the Games’ Opening Ceremony.
