Italian athletes often find financial support for their Olympic dreams by enlisting in either the police or the military. These institutions actively recruit top-performing athletes. The arrangement provides athletes with a salary and resources, allowing them to focus on training and competition. In return, the police and military gain prestige and visibility through the athletes' successes. This creates a competitive environment where both organizations seek to secure the best athletic talent, fostering a unique system of athletic sponsorship. This system helps to explain Italy's strong performance at the Winter Olympics.