Luca Pancalli, the chairman of the Italian Paralympic Committee, has formally opened the “run” towards the 2010 Europeans, scheduled from 11^th to 14^th February on the snow of mount Zoncolan. In fact, some aspects concerning the organization of the next sports event have been discussed during the formal meeting between the representatives of the Ski Club 2 (organizing body of the event) and the CIP Chairman. Mr.Elio De Anna, regioal counsellor responsible for Sporst, was also present.

Mr.Paolo Tavian, who organized the event, has also shown the official video, a preview of which had been already projected during the presentation in Modena. It includes some of the most important moments of the previous competitions organized (2007 World Championships are the latest). Here are some important figures: 21 countries are going to take part in the 2010 edition of the Finals European Cup (which will have their base in Tolmezzo and Arta Terme), 140 athletes in all (300 considering also trainers and staff), with an estimated number of 3,000 spectators.

Furthermore, the Ski Club is holding meetings in the primary and secondary schools of the four provinces, with conferences concerning physical disability. At least 3-4 schools for each province are involved, about 16 classes from primary to secondary schools altogether. Then the youths will be taken to the skiing slopes during the races.

The programme: on Thursday 11 February arrival of teams to Arta Terme, accommodation in hotels and Team Captain meeting; on Friday 12 Super Combined-Super Giant Slalom and Super Combined-Slalom. On Saturday Giant Slalom, followed by dinner and a big party for the athletes. On Sunday, the last day, Slalom and final prizegiving on mount Zoncolan. Four days of races, parties and events; teams from all over Europe are also expected, including some of the best-known names of the international sports world.

Partners of the event are the regional government, provinces, communes (Paluzza, Arta Terme, Tolmezzo, Suttrio, Ronchi dei Legionari, Monfalcone, Trieste, Udine), Civil Defence, International Palympic Committee, Fis (Italian Fencing Federation), Fisi (Italian Winter Sports Federation), Cip, and other private sponsors.