The specific nature of sport And young players training in European Union law

Sport has the power to promote universal values, such as social cohesion, tolerance, and peacekeeping. At the same time, sport is an extraordinarily powerful tool to promote education, health and wellbeing, as well as growth for new generations.

It is on these premises that in 2009 the Lisbon Treaty introduced the word 'sport' for the first time in the Treaty on the functioning of the European Union, by recognising the "specific nature of sport". This represents a landmark in the history of sport, which stemmed from the political will expressed by the European Parliament, in its Resolutions on 13 June 1997 and 13 February 1998.This was followed by the Conclusions of the European Council on 12 December 2008. In the face of the growing interest for sport policies by European institutions and Member States, political debate on sport needs to regain momentum.

 
In this respect, it is very significant that, for the first time this year, the European Commission has formally assigned a specific mandate on sport within a Commissioner's portfolio, Tibor Navracsics. This indicates that the European Commission, which took office on November 1st, can look forward to the next 5 years as an opportunity to elaborate on the "specific nature of sport". Guaranteeing that said specific nature finds formal acknowledgement in the European law system means guaranteeing that sport can keep contributing to the European policymaking process for social cohesion, economic development and education and, ultimately, to the economic growth of Europe.
 
The conference of 11th December 2014, organised by the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), in collaboration with the Presidency of the Council of Ministers - Department for Regional Affairs, Autonomies and Sport, and co-financed by the European Commission, within the Italian Semester of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, therefore aims to offer a debating platform on the specific nature of sport, with specific reference to the training of young athletes.

 
Investing in the promotion of sport among young people, with particular reference to home-grown players, is paramount to trigger that virtuous circle that links together professional sport and grassroots sport. It is in the permanent equilibrium between educational values and sporting achievements and between the educational and competitive dimension, that the specific nature of sport is fostered as social infrastructure. This is the reason why the event organised on 11th December intends to focus on this topic, by providing a platform for discussion.

http://www.specificnatureofsport.eu/en/event-programme.html

Conference on Doping, numbers and data on activities. Malagò: autonomous bodies, ready for renewed efforts

Held today in the Hall of Honour was the conference "Fight against Doping: the regulatory context and enforcement strategies. Legal and operational aspects". The first part of the in-depth analysis, moderated by the Deputy Secretary General, Carlo Mornati started with the greeting by the President of CONI, Giovanni Malagò, who thanked the participating speakers, expanding the horizon on strategies and future prospects of the sector, in addition to shedding some light on aspects related to recent incidents in sports news.

"We each have a reservoir of credibility. A year from now I should not have to be here to talk about the same things because it would mean that what I promised to do has been unsuccessful. Around the table there are the stakeholders in this world. I think that the working group should be adapted with some new professionalism from the indisputable curriculum but I want to remember what I've done since I was elected on this matter: if I didn't want problems I could confirm the professionals who took care of the matter. Yet I have changed, choosing the curriculum, not for knowledge. I have no relationship of any kind with them and this shows how this body is autonomous: it does not have and should not have any relationship of connection with CONI. I do not deny that I am going through a drama with the situation of Carolina Kostner. I cannot express solidarity to her and I deeply regret this, I have said it is not advisable because it could be misunderstood. The prosecutor calls for four years and three months: I was challenged for this decision. I think that is unfair. Because what WADA is saying is enlightening, until 31 December 2014, the Regulation requires this. From 1 January 2015, this discourse will change, according to the rules approved in the last Board. As a citizen I can say that it is unfair, as President of CONI I must remain silent. But what has CONI done wrong? Having complied with the regulations. And you have to judge the governance of CONI from the election day to today, you can't mix it up with the past. At the next conference I will invite others, to show that there is an opportunity to be heard and for criticism".

The introduction of Malagò preceded the intervention of Tammaro Maiello, Head Attorney of the Anti-doping Prosecution Office of CONI. "The Prosecution is a great team. International legislation to combat doping aims to ensure the credibility of the events and the health of the athlete. The phenomenon is combated, in Italy, with two actions: penal and sporting. The combating action passes from a static investigation activity to a dynamic activity, in particular for trafficking or attempted trafficking of substances (2.7) and for the administration of, or attempts to administer prohibited methods or encouragement, assistance and complicity in the violation of (2.8). Interaction with the public prosecutors and with the NAS (Medical Arm of the Carabinieri) is essential: we can not act only on hearsay, we have to acquire reliable data. We have evaluated audition techniques today detailed questions are prepared on the basis of thorough reading of the acts. In this context, we also utilised the use of the questionnaire with people abroad. Referrals section. From 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2014 116 referrals were prepared, in the last five months at least 103. The sample stated is not only pursued but also the subject that goes in the gyms. Doping is not fought only with the appearance of sanctions but also with prevention. That which helps the athlete to be aware of the rules. And it is also decisive the information activities and the involvement of young people".

The conference continued with the report of the General Cosimo Piccinno, Commander of the Carabinieri for the protection of health. "Our section consists of 38 centres distributed around Italy. We have a central department, we deal in particular with anti-doping and with pharmaceuticals by means of a strong international cooperation. Behind the supply chain of counterfeit drugs there is criminality because the revenues are enormous. One euro invested on one narcotic repays 16 times, on drugs 2,500. The turnover assessed is 50 billion a year. Doping is a criminal offence that seriously damages health. It is the dark side of sport. Law 376/2000 the CVD is established, in 2008 we start to deal with doping and in we appoint a representative in the commission. Today the planning of the controls takes place with targeted selection, from January 2013 thanks to the activity of qualified soldiers with "Anti-doping investigative Inspector" masters. This is the data: 4397 reported, 612 arrested, over 2 and a half million vials confiscated. With indications from the NAS the positive percentage rises from 2% to about 13%, which means doing intelligence work. It is necessary to make counter communication starting from the knowledge of the facts".

Roberto Cucchiari, Deputy prosecutor of the Prosecutor's Office of Rome, spoke about the organisation of the body. "The Prosecutor of Rome is divided into 14 specialised groups. The matter of doping is treated in a specific way, with a Prosecutor and 7 assistants. It collaborates with the NAS of the Carabinieri". Massimiliano Rosolino, Olympian swimmer, brought his contribution as an athlete. "For us one of the most beautiful thing is to be visited by those who do the testing, as this stands for credibility. Clean sport should be promoted. We must educate young people to eat well, to train with the spirit of sacrifice and application, to believe in fair play. In Italy we are very strict, the last episode of the Chinese swimmer teaches us that international harmonisation is useful. We should do anti-doping immediately after the competition, meaning the day after the award ceremony".

The topic of the conference was then addressed from the point of view of Carlo Polidori, President of Section I of the National Anti-Doping Court (TNA). "We deal with repression but I wanted to focus my speech on deterrence and information. The bodies of justice must speak through decisions, not through other means. We do not deal only with athletes found positive, indeed, those cases are simple. In our rulings we have started to emphasize the poor education there is in Italy on the phenomenon of doping. At the moment, it is a mission: I have two children and I would like to leave a world where you can race on equal terms. It should be maximum severity from the supervisory organisations and not only from those administering the tests". Luigi Fumagalli, President of Section II of the TNA, has on the other hand focused on the relationship between national bodies and supranational justice. "The Global WADA Code is the beacon of light. It was considered an added value to have a unified legislation. The division among athletes of national and international interest is important. The appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is expected in the second case. CONI has decided to grant this possibility to all athletes. Interesting case of the German skater Pechstein". Marco Bernardi, President of the Anti-doping Commission CIP, finally closed the morning session. "Even in this world there is doping, the big difference between the various disabilities determines the complexity of the phenomenon within the movement".

THE SECOND PART

The afternoon session, chaired by CONI Secretary General, Roberto Fabbricini, was opened by Lucio Nobili, Chairman of the Control Committee. "Our body provides the planning and distribution of the controls, during and outside competitions. It may also arrange surprise checks or their convocation. Decisive use of ADAMS, which allows the use of a uniform system, both nationally and internationally, of information management on the "whereabouts", as well as the rationalisation of targeted checks through the medium of the verification in the database of the history of sampling sessions already made by other anti-doping organisations on the same athlete". Luigi Frati, President of the CEFT, outlined the activities of the other CONI anti-doping facility. "The CEFT obviously follows international rules. The general criteria requires that medicines administered are closely related to the pathology and our facility certifies the appropriateness of the treatment. The problem consists in staying within the rules and in this sense we use the utmost rigour. We do not authorise competing within the term of the presumed effect of the treatment. The exemption must be requested first. If there is an emergency, the request is evaluated on a case by case basis".

Massimo Casciello, President of the CVD, spoke of its system. "The goal is to see how the problem of public health and combating doping at the same time in competitions is experienced. To provide training and information to the general public through new forms of communication We have conducted studies with the Ministry of Health to assess the components of the supplements on the market and to protect, of course, citizens. We fund research activities: 1390 athletes tested in 2013".

Maurizio Casasco, President of the FMSI, spoke about the activity carried out. "I wish to thank all of the partners that are part of the anti-doping system. The CEFT is extremely important, it is rigorous, it is the real hub - present and future - of anti-doping. The FMSI was founded in 1929 and has 5,000 members. We protect the health and guarantee the health education of those who do sports. The selection is very hard to obtain the status of DCO (Doping Control Officer). Since 2006, things have changed. In Turin in 2006 they were 62 of our doctors involved, obtaining zero non-compliance. We are proud and I want to stress that, in the context of our competencies, using ADAMS is a resounding advantage. You are able to retrieve the athlete, to know where they are. I have to thank Malagò who spoke with the State to allow it use".

Gualtiero Ricciardi, Commissioner of the Italian Institute of Health, outlined the activities of the currently chaired body. "We operate through monitoring activities, which take place in different areas, ranging from minor to professional ones. We check that the laboratories meet the minimum requirements and we also cooperate with the activities of the CVD. We try to also act on raising awareness concerning the taking of drugs, with a national mapping of the supply and an analysis of the products, in collaboration with NAS. Our work is also to develop awareness campaigns on the subject, by trying to promote virtuous models. We are accessible to citizens, for an effective interaction with the purpose of prevention".

Francesco Botrè, Director of the Anti-Doping Laboratory in Rome, with a brilliant speech touched on the key points related to the activity of the structure. "The World Anti-Doping Program is structured on three levels, the first two are mandatory, the third covers models of good practice. In the first two models, there are standards on the list of prohibited substances. I am also on the Controls committee of this list, there are only two belonging to the laboratories (also that of Cologne). Synonymous with recognition of our work, including that regarding the identification of new substances. Today there are over 400, there were 250 at the end of the century, 10-20 in the 1960s. The laboratory in Rome was re-credited from 1999. Competence, autonomy and traceability are the criteria for performance evaluation: we oversee the National Institute of Health, the National Board of Accreditation and then WADA. Statistical data: in 2013 the index of positivity of the Laboratory was 2.83%, compared to 2.21% worldwide. We have brought a significant contribution to the activity in the development of methods of pre-treatment of the sample with the use of microwaves, improvement of the method for the detection of doping by erythropoietin, development of methods applicable to both blood and urine for doping by hormones". Damiano Tommasi, AIC President, analysed the problem as a former athlete and manager. "The problems arise from the superficial use of medicines, from too much faith in some systems, children of an erroneous culture. Our job as managers, to train more and more. I refer also to the relationship with the doctors, of the RTP. A medal that is not clean must become a disadvantage. I know how hard it is to give up a competition, but health comes before everything and I am happy that there are people who have given up playing to avoid the risks of infiltration".

THE CONCLUSION

The third and final part of the conference was initiated by the participation of the Attorney Gambino, on the output of the new CONI magazine on Sport Law. The Head of the CONI Press and Communications Office, Danilo di Tommaso, illustrated aspects of communication linked to doping. "An imperative task, such as sports anti-doping regulations, it is linked to the disclosure of some news: throughout the handbook the website address CONI is cited 11 times. The most important part is related to the communication of court rulings, not to mention the publicity given to the suspension of procedural deadlines". Luigi Ferrajolo, USSI President and member of the Control Committee spoke on the other hand about recent professional experience. "It is a role which I have to adapt to responsibly. To see the matter from the other perspective, however, helps to better understand certain dynamics". Giovanni Bruno, Director of Sky Sports and also a member of the Control Committee, is on the same wavelength. "I've got to be part of something that I have always seen from the other side. We test a lot more athletes, thanks to the knowledge of the sporting world, of current events". Malagò closed the proceedings, noting that there will be another meeting open with other interventions and stressing the importance of an ongoing dialogue aimed at constantly improving the anti-doping model.

Literary, Sports and Journalistic Contests Awards Ceremony. Malagò: "Hope for the young"

The usual annual awards ceremony for CONI-USSI Literary, Sports and Journalistic Contests was held this morning in the Hall of Honor of CONI. The meeting was opened with a greeting by Giovanni Malagò, who attended the event along with the Secretary General, Roberto Fabbricini. The Examination Committees were represented by the President of the 43rd Competition, Gianni Letta, and USSI President, Giovanni Ferrajolo. Due to a sudden family problem, the President of the 48th Literary Contest, Walter Pedullà, had to leave the Hall of Honor before the start of the ceremony: however, he left a detailed and valuable written account containing the reasons for the choices made for the three sections' winners.

President Malagò opened the day stressing "the goodness of awards among the other inherited good things. I have always had respect for the category, even when I get intellectually honest criticism. I appreciate this ceremony, which gives hope to the new generations even in light of the current difficulties". Malagò finally addressed a final, emotional farewell to all the journalists who died in 2014, devoting a special thought to Marco Ansaldo's and Oscar Orefici's families, who attended the event to collect the awards dedicated to the memory of those two unforgotten champions of the category.

Gianni Letta introduced his speech with a tribute to President Malagò "for his passion, his courage and his conviction in carrying out his program, and also for the commitment that earned him the presidency, almost two years ago". Letta then expressed his satisfaction with the numbers of the Competition: the stories submitted were 75 (plus 65 stories for the Under-18 category), while in the previous contest there were just 18. "The average quality of the productions has greatly improved and I must say that the winner, Mariano Graziano, and the 2nd place, Roberto Gerace, have produced passionate and pleasant works. "9:58" is the summary of a life marked by sporting events, while "Scupetta" reflects the perception of sport in social problems through the story of a boy who becomes a football player". Letta also addressed compliments to the young Under-18 participants for the quality of their works, stressing that this competition "represents a way to introduce young people to sport and give confidence in the future of the country."

The evaluations of the President of the Literary Contest, Walter Pedullà, on the prizes awarded, were read by Danilo di Tommaso, CONI Chief Communications Officer. "The biggest surprise of this year for me came from non-fiction, while in the past I have learned more from the technical section. Once investigations were conducted with the naked eye, while now there are more sophisticated technological tools, as highlighted by this year's excellent works. The protagonists in fiction were the memory of the world hour record by Fausto Coppi, narrated in a style between news and fantasy, and the memories of an athlete still in business, while the special mention was assigned to the book on the adventures of Nesto Bordesante. The non-fiction works did not miss the opportunity to celebrate the "unforgettable" Cesare Rubini, while the first prize was awarded to a volume that explores the relationship between sport and philosophy, in an organic, deep reflection".

Luigi Ferrajolo, President of USSI, opened the prize-giving for the Journalistic Contest, apologizing for a digression in which he recalled the difficulties that the industry is facing through some data related to lost jobs and the early retirement of many professionals. "It is a crisis that concerns not only employment but also the professional role." Ferrajolo then devoted an emotional farewell to Marco Ansaldo and Oscar Orefici, giving way to the awards.

XLIII National Contest for Sports Stories

1st Prize: Marino Graziano, "9:58"

2nd Prize: Roberto Gerace, "Scupetta"

Under-18 category

Honor Plate: Rossella Lembo, "Lottare per un sogno"

Special Mention: Alessia Serluca, "Tema"

XLVIII Literary Contest

Fiction

1st Prize: Mauro Colombo, "L'ora del Fausto" (Ediciclo ed.)

2nd Prize: Max Di Franco and Lillo Cafieri, "Il bambino che sogna" (Galassia Arte)

Special Mention: Stefano Marelli, "Altre stelle uruguayane" (Rubbettino ed.)

Non-fiction

1st Prize: Giovanni Boniolo, "Le regole e il sudore" (Raffaello Cortina ed.)

2nd Prize: Oscar Eleni and Sergio Meda, "Indimenticabile (Sport & Passione)

Technical

1st Prize: Nunzio Lanotte and Sophie Lem, "Sportivi ad alta tecnologia" (Zanichelli)

2nd Prize: Vincenzo D'Onofrio, "La camminata" (Calzetti Mariucci ed.)

CONI-USSI 2014 Journalistic Contest

CONI-USSI Award "Under-35": Francesco Saverio Intorcia (La Repubblica)

CONI-USSI Award "Written Press-Society and Investigation Journalism": Giorgio Viberti (La Stampa)

CONI-USSI Award "Written Press-News and Technical Journalism": Andrea Santoni (Corriere dello Sport-Stadio)

CONI-USSI Award "Multimedia": Gianluca Pasini (La Gazzetta dello Sport)

CONI-USSI Award "Desk-Written Press": Mario Celi (Il Giornale)

CONI-USSI Award "Desk-Television": Fabio Tavelli (Sky Sport)

CONI-USSI Award "Television": Donatella Scarnati (Rai Sport)

Special award in memory of Marco Ansaldo

Special award in memory of Oscar Orefici

CONI Award "A Pen for Sport – Memorial Giorgio Tosatti": Enrico Maida

Malagò awarded with Laurentum Special Prize "Values of Sport"

The President of CONI Giovanni Malagò has been awarded today in the library of the Quirinale with the Special prize "Values of Sport", established this year by Laurentum Poetry Awards. While having a predominantly cultural vocation, the recognition aims to celebrate the values that contribute to a healthy physical and athletic training and that require the teaching and the assimilation of the spirit of sacrifice, loyalty, fairness, and respect of the opponent, so desperately needed in a modern society where athletes are role models for the new generation.

As stated in the citation, Laurentum Cultural Center "is pleased to award this Prize to Giovanni Malagò, one of the most influential personalities of Italian society, for the effort in his intense career at national and international level aimed to the promotion of Italian sport and the spreading of the highest, noble values that inspire sport".

The Laurentum Awards are one of the main Italian literary competitions, the first ever in terms of membership, with more than 70,000 participants in the various initiatives in the last five editions. The Committee of Laurentum Awards is composed, as well as by President Gianni Letta, by Angelo Bucarelli, Corrado Calabro, Maurizio Cucchi, Stas' Gawronski, Simona Izzo, Raffaele La Capria, Mauro Miccio, Maria Rita Parsi, Davide Rondoni and Roberto Sergio.

2014 WINNERS

6th CAREER AWARD

Adriana Asti

8th VALUES OF CULTURE AWARD

Lina Wertmüller

4th DANTE ALIGHIERI AWARD

Giampiero Neri

1st VALUES OF SPORT AWARD

Giovanni Malagò

Malagò and the Minister Lorenzin awarded with 2014 "Auguste and Marie Krogh" medals

The President of CONI, Giovanni Malagò, and the Minister for Health, Beatrice Lorenzin, received this afternoon "August and Marie Krogh" Medals, during a ceremony at the residence of the Ambassador of Denmark in Italy, Birger Riis-Jørgensen. The prestigious prize, awarded annually by a panel set up by the Italian Barometer Diabetes Observatory (IBDO) Foundation, is awarded to personalities in Italian scientific, economic and social fields, who "have helped with projects and social and cultural activities or those of innovation and research, in the development of health in general and diabetes in particular".

The 2014 award was given to the President Malagò and the Minister Lorenzin "for the personal and institutional commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles, fundamental in the prevention of chronic diseases, and in particular to the Minister Lorenzin, for the action of raising awareness of European colleagues during the Italian Presidency of the European Council", explained the president of the jury, Mr Renato Lauro, President of the Italian Barometer Diabetes Observatory Foundation.

Prosecutor's Office refers Carolina Kostner, demands 4 years and 3 months disqualification

Anti-Doping Prosecutor's Office referred the athlete Carolina Kostner (FISG affiliated) to the Second Chamber of the National Anti-Doping Tribunal of CONI for the recognition of liability upon the violation of Art. 2.8 and 3.3 of Anti-Doping Sports Policies, on the basis of the documents sent by the Public Prosecutor of Bolzano - within the inquiry called "Olimpia" and the outcome of the investigations carried out by the Anti-Doping Prosecutor's Office in the field of sports, with demand for 4 years and 3 months disqualification.

Prosecutor's Office refers sprinters Simone Collio, Maurizio Checcucci and Roberto Donati (FIDAL)

The Anti-Doping Prosecutor's Office has taken the following measures:

Referral of the athlete Simone Collio (FIDAL affiliated) to the Second Chamber of the National Anti-Doping Tribunal of CONI for the recognition of liability upon the violation of Art. 2.5 and 3.2 of Anti-Doping Sports Policies, on the basis of the documents sent by the Public Prosecutor of Bolzano - within the inquiry called "Olimpia" and the outcome of the investigations carried out by the Anti-Doping Prosecutor's Office in the field of sports, with demand for 2 years and 3 months disqualification.

Referral of the athlete Maurizio Checcucci (FIDAL affiliated) to the Second Chamber of the National Anti-Doping Tribunal of CONI for the recognition of liability upon the violation of Art. 2.5 of Anti-Doping Sports Policies, on the basis of the documents sent by the Public Prosecutor of Bolzano - within the inquiry called "Olimpia" and the outcome of the investigations carried out by the Anti-Doping Prosecutor's Office in the field of sports, with demand for 2 years disqualification.

Referral of the athlete Roberto Donati (FIDAL affiliated) to the Second Chamber of the National Anti-Doping Tribunal of CONI for the recognition of liability upon the reiterated violation of Art. 3.2 of Anti-Doping Sports Policies, on the basis of the documents sent by the Public Prosecutor of Bolzano - within the inquiry called "Olimpia" and the outcome of the investigations carried out by the Anti-Doping Prosecutor's Office in the field of sports, with demand for 8 months disqualification.

Playoff finals, Italy national women's football team will aim for World qualification against Netherlands in Verona tomorrow

Ninety minutes to secure a place at Canada 2015 and play in the final stage of a World Cup again, fifteen years after USA '99. Tomorrow at 20:30 at the "Bentegodi" Stadium in Verona the national women's football team faces the Netherlands in the second leg of the finals of the World playoffs. The Federal President, Carlo Tavecchio, and the new President of the National Amateur League, Felice Belloli, will also attend the match and will cheer on the “Azzurre” in a match that will have a particular flavour for the four girls who play in AGSM Verona: Patrizia Panico, Melania Gabbiadini, Cecilia Salvai and Federica Di Criscio.

The first leg ended 1-1 thanks to a beautiful goal scored by Melania Gabbiadini: "The audience must cheer and support us with everything they've got – this is the call of the forward - because anything could happen after our draw at The Hague". Italy will rely on the experience of Patrizia Panico, that can boast more than 200 appearances in the National team: "We expect a tough game from the competitive point of view – she warns - they will surely begin to press on the accelerator immediately and we will have to be careful not to repeat the same mistakes of the first leg. We will have to fight for every ball as if it were our last".

Experience is essential, but to be able to fly to Canada we will also need a good dose of enthusiasm. Like the enthusiasm of Cecilia Salvai and Federica Di Criscio, both born in 1993, the present and future of the Italian defence: "This time - emphasizes Salvai - we have the advantage of playing at home. We want to win, to score first, even more than one goal. We will not simply defend the previous draw." "The Netherlands - reiterates Di Criscio - is a very strong team. We will have to take the field while being aware of our strength, believe in it, and play to win."

Presented the book "L'Oro di Scampia", the story of Giovanni Maddaloni. Malagò: "A giant in life"

A ray of sun that makes its way through the clouds of negativity and prejudice, to contrast degradation and violence with the example promoted by a meeting place dedicated to sport. The scenario outlined in the passionate pages of "L'Oro di Scampia", the autobiographical book written by Giovanni Maddaloni in collaboration with Marco Caiazzo, tells the incredible stories of lives and activities that revolve around the judo gym managed by the "Master", that offers free classes to all the underprivileged children of the district of Vele.

The President of CONI, Giovanni Malagò, and the Secretary General, Roberto Fabbricini, wanted to attend the event, held at the Hall of Honor in the presence - among others – of the President of FIJLKAM, Domenico Falcone, and Mrs. Marina, widow of the historic President of the Federation, Matteo Pellicone.The brief discussion was moderated by the Director of Rai Sport, Carlo Paris, with the participation of the author's son, Giuseppe Maddaloni, Olympian in Sydney (2000), of Vincenzo D'Onofrio, Public Prosecutor of the Anti-Mafia District Directorate of Naples, and Monsignor Andrea Celli, Director of the Legal Office of the Vicariate of Rome.

Malagò, who visited that same gym in Scampia during one of the first public appearances as President of CONI, wanted to address his sincere encouragement to Maddaloni. "Maddaloni is a quite unique example of a person who, as a bastion against the degradation and lawlessness, received the gift of having a child who won an Olympic gold medal. Giovanni is a giant, he knows how much I care about him and I am glad that through this book he was able to tell a wide audience all those stories that have characterized his work in recent years. We will meet Matteo Renzi together a few minutes before the Golden Collars: the Prime Minister specifically asked for this, because he understood that we are talking about a man who deserves special attention."

He, the master, thanks affectionately. "In this book are my dreams, my sufferings, my social and sporting victories. I would like to thank President Malagò, a good person who has always helped me. I told him about my project of the Citadel of Sports in Scampia. It is my dream, and thanks to God, it will soon be created. We are experiencing a moment in which good people are taking over. I understood it after the election of Pope Francis." His son, Pino, argues with sincerity: "My father was always told he was a fool. Local politicians and friends never took him seriously, but now we are here, at CONI. I hope his citadel of sport becomes a reality as it will help many kids to take the right path." The event was also attended by the former mayor of Naples and President of the Campania Region, Antonio Bassolino.

Towards Baku 2015: the sentences of Bach and Malagò

The Baku 2015 European Games is shaping up to be the biggest multi-sport event on the European calendar next year and the ideal proving ground for athletes ahead of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, according to senior figures at the leading National Olympic Committees (NOCs) of Europe. Giovanni Malago and other top representatives from all 49 European NOCs gathered in the Azerbaijan capital, Baku, last weekend for the 43rd European Olympic Committees (EOC) General Assembly. They received status updates from the Baku European Games Operations Committee (BEGOC), confirming preparations for Europe’s inaugural continental multi-sport games are firmly on track.

Giovanni Malago, President of National Olympic Committee of Italy, said: “The European Games will be the biggest event in 2015 for Italy’s athletes. Because it is one year out from the Olympic Games in Rio, athletes who make it to the podium in Azerbaijan have a real shot of winning an Olympic medal in 2016. Italian athletes can be crowned the first ever European Games Champions next summer, and there are eleven sports offering the chance to help book their place on the plane to Brazil. There is a lot at stake in Baku; after what I’ve seen of the city I’ve no doubt the inaugural European Games will be a fantastic sports event".

Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee, attended the EOC General Assembly. Speaking from Baku, he said: “I am deeply impressed to see the development here in regard to sport. What I have seen and heard about the preparations for the Baku 2015 European Games makes me very confident they will be an outstanding success for European sport and also an outstanding success for Azerbaijan". The NOC Presidents and Secretaries General also had a tour of the key venues including the National Stadium, the National Gymnastics Arena and the Baku Aquatics Centre. Baku 2015 is the first ever European Games, an exciting and innovative multi-sport event for the continent which will take place from 12 – 28 June 2015. There will be a total of 20 sports at Baku 2015: 16 Olympic sports and four non-Olympic sports. More than 6,000 athletes from across Europe will be representing their nations over 17 days of competition. Eleven of the sports will offer qualification opportunities for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Those sports include Archery, Athletics, Boxing, Cycling, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Triathlon, Wrestling and Volleyball.