February 21,1993, fully 30 years ago and Sergej Bubka in Donetsk rams his pole into the ground and takes off to achieve the jump that was to propel him rightfully into athletic history. He cleared 6,15m a remarkable world record which was only exceeded 21 years later, on the 15th February 2014 by the French jumper Renaud Lavillenie who managed more than 6,16m. Having left his sports career, Bubka has become an important observer for sport and its values of brother/sisterhood. In 1999 he became a member of the International Olympic Committee and in 2001 he was nominated vice president of World athletics. And that&´s precisely how international commitments brought the Olympic champion to Madesimo and Chiavenna at the beginning of 2023. As President of the International Master Games Association, Bubka was here to carry out inspections with a view to the Winter World Master Games taking place from 12 - 24 January 2024 in locations throughout Lombardy including right here. It&´s the most important winter sports event in the world reserved for athletes "over 30".

Thousands of athletes, enthusiasts and volunteers are expected at all the venues of the event which has adopted "sport for all ages and for life" as its central mission. Aprica, Bormio, Chiavenna, Chiesa in Valmanenco, Madesimo, Pellizzano, Ponte di Legno - Tonale, Sondrio and Vermiglio are the locations where a total of 15 winter sports competitions will take place. They range from alpine skiing to hockey, biathlon to curling, short track to ski jumping. “The Master Games are an important event" enthused Bubka, "with international scope and which in past stagings, summer and winter alike, have attracted vast numbers of athletes, families and staff from all over the world. It&´s a valuable opportunity for the territories of Chiavenna and Madesimo to promote themselves, their history and culture, as well as the extraordinary gastronomy that I too have had the chance to appreciate". Now 60, Bubka continues to practise sports regularly, favouring running and outdoor activities. "I really enjoy walking in the mountains too," he admits "and during my inspections I was enchanted by the beauty of your valleys. They have a genuine charm. Here I had the warmest of welcomes from the most hospitable people, naturally open towards visitors. I&´m sure that the Winter World Master Games will prove a really useful showcase to introduce your wonderful Alpine valley to a special audience who are sure to appreciate its rare distinctness".