The project for the Rome Piazza di Siena 2018 CSIO was presented to the press today by the president of the Italian Equestrian Federation (FISE) Marco Di Paola and by Diego Nepi Molineris, Event and Marketing Director for the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI).

All aspects of the more important and newer elements regarding the show held at the end of May (from Thursday 24^th to Sunday 27^th), were explained to the media during a long walk through Piazza di Siena and the Villa Borghese Galoppatoio, an area normally used only for stabling and that this year,thanks to a brand new arena,will attract the public with a programme of events also aimed at promoting equestrian sports.

After thanking Roma Capitale for its significant cooperation and all the work done, Diego Nepi Molineris illustrated for the media the various project ‘charts’ exhibited in key locations between these two areas of the Villa Borghese that will be the centre of this event.

President Di Paola underlined how “returning Piazza di Siena to its ancient traditions by using a grass arena instead of sand is a decision that once again exalts the location’s beauty and choice owed to Romans, but also a very brave decision made by FISE and CONI. The show will be of the highest possible technical level and the presence of the world’s show jumping elite has already been guaranteed with nine of the most respected teams and their top riders competing.”

There will be many innovations this year and the plans indicate that this will be a very special year for our show. As Nepi Molineris explained.“We needed to do something that went beyond the sporting event, which is per se something extraordinary. Sport must leave a legacy for the community and for Rome’s CSIO, the mission is the same as that of the Olympic Committee and its president, Giovanni Malagò. We have something in Piazza di Siena that the whole world envies; great history and art. The redevelopment of Villa Borghese and the degraded architectural structures of Piazza di Siena are integrally part of this project and work has already begun under the supervision of the Fine Arts Department.”

As far as the new grass arena is concerned, citizens will be permitted to enter as soon as the show is over, respecting the Villa’s rules and those of basic good manners.

All service buildings created for the event will be temporary and removed within a few days once the show is over.