Negotiations Intensify Within Coni, Headed by Buonfiglio in Italy
In a bid to promote healthier lifestyles among the youth, the Italian government is collaborating closely with the sports sector and educational institutions. This collaboration aims to combat sedentary behaviour and obesity among young people through multi-faceted initiatives that integrate sport, education, and health promotion.
The President of the National Olympic Committee (CONI), Giovanni Malagò, has announced the formation of a working group to redesign sports justice. The group, which will be led by the CONI and consists of 12 people, including only two federal presidents, will address one of the important issues to be addressed in the redesign: the Youth Games.
Malagò, however, did not mention any specific changes to the Youth Games in the redesign of sports justice. He also did not specify the timeline for the implementation of the changes. The guidelines for the redesign of sports justice will be internal and transparent.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health is involved in discussions about reversing sedentary behavior and obesity among young people. Minister Antonio Tajani is involved in discussions about the new Youth Games through sport and communication channels via embassies.
Angelo Binaghi, President of the Italian Tennis Federation, has criticized the new Sports Decree. Despite this, Malagò maintains an open attitude towards Binaghi. Binaghi, however, demands the presence of a government representative at events with budgets over 5 million euros, arguing that it is not interference but fair given the costs involved.
Malagò could not attend Wimbledon due to the first government meeting, but would have visited Jannik Sinner, the world number one Italian tennis player, if possible. In the context of the Youth Games, Malagio emphasizes the need to avoid comparisons with a past that no longer exists. Instead, he suggests bringing the school to sports places to show children healthier life models.
The Italian government's collaboration with the sports sector to tackle youth obesity and sedentary lifestyles encompasses school-based sports promotion, educational campaigns on healthy lifestyles, provision of physical activity guidelines, and multi-institutional partnerships that leverage health, education, and community resources.
For instance, the “Trofei di Milano Cortina 2026” initiative involved 350 schools and promoted Olympism, healthy lifestyles, and physical activity among children aged 6 to 13 through free educational and sports activities over a year, supported by hospitals, sports institutions, and sponsors. This initiative combined a strong educational component—with materials like animated cartoons—and a final sports event to engage children and teachers actively.
The Ministry of Health also issues physical activity guidelines targeting children and adults and supports various campaigns emphasizing the Mediterranean diet and healthy eating within schools to prevent obesity and related diseases. These campaigns are often multidisciplinary, involving pediatricians, dietitians, schools, and local health authorities.
Policies also focus on creating healthy environments in schools and communities, increasing physical exercise opportunities during school and leisure time, and improving nutritional standards—all aligned with broad European and WHO recommendations to address obesity from early life phases through adolescence.
Malagò further highlights the importance of showing children respect for themselves, which leads to greater respect for others. This approach underscores the Italian government's commitment to fostering a culture of health and wellness among the youth.
Sources: 1. Trofei di Milano Cortina 2026 2. Ministry of Health - Physical Activity Guidelines 3. World Health Organization - Obesity and Overweight
The Ministry of Health is exploring ways to utilize sport and communication channels, such as embassies, to discuss the new Youth Games and combat sedentary behavior and obesity among young people. In line with Malagio's suggestions, integrating school-based sports promotion, health education, and community resources may further the Italian government's goal of fostering a culture of health and wellness among the youth.
