“We are cut out, as if we don’t exist,” said Elsa Zardini, head of the Ladin community in Cortina. Half of Cortina’s population is LadinWood carvers and stewards of the forest, Ladins have lived in the Dolomites for 2,000 years. Excluded from the opening ceremonyWhen Ghedina went to Lillehammer in 1994 to compete in the Winter Games, the Artic Sami people featured in the opening ceremony. At the official Olympic events, both in Cortina before the Games begin, Ladins will enjoy just two appearances. Yes, there will be someone in our costume, our costumes will be seen,” said Zardini, the president of Cortina’s Ladin association.