Emotion, passion, sport. Piazza dell’Università in Catania hosted the Opening Ceremony of the Trofeo CONI Sicilia 2024, with delegations also joining via video link from Palermo. For the first time in the event’s history, now in its ninth summer edition, the top two figures of the Italian state were in attendance: the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella (accompanied by his daughter, Laura), and the President of the Senate, Ignazio La Russa.

A celebration (photo Ferraro-Bizzi CONI) of the largest under-14 sporting event in Italy, where for the first time, the Fair Play Award – dedicated to the memory of Gianni Gallo – will be presented to a boy and a girl who have stood out through their respect for the rules and leadership skills. The event also honoured the memory of two legendary Azzurri figures, Franco Chimenti and Lea Pericoli, with a minute of silence dedicated to them.

Leading the parade of delegations were representatives of Italian communities abroad from Argentina, Australia (making its debut), Brazil, the United States, and Venezuela. In the days following the Trofeo, they will explore Sicily as part of the NRRP “Tourism of Roots” project, tracing their ancestral heritage. Behind them marched representatives from the 21 CONI Regional Committees, bringing together a record 4,500 participants, including athletes and coaches. In the midst of the young athletes Luigi Busà (Sicilian from Avola, gold in karate at Tokyo 2020), Manila Esposito (silver in Paris 2024 in the artistic gymnastics team all-around competition and bronze on beam), Matteo Melluzzo (sprinter from Syracuse in Paris 2024 and European gold in the 4x100m relay in Rome 2024) and ‘the Shark’ from Messina, former cyclist Vincenzo Nibali (winner of the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia). Also present at the ceremony will be Tina and Milo, the official mascots for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

The Carabinieri Fanfare played the Italian national anthem, the Corazzieri raised the Tricolore, and then the officials took the floor. “I have experienced many emotions in my life,” said Sergio D’Antoni, President of CONI Sicilia, “but this one is unique, intense, and powerful. I thank the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, for being here, showing once again how much he loves sport and this land, which often suffers from unjust prejudice that we must combat. Sport plays a crucial role in keeping young people off the streets and away from the mafia. Heroes like Mattarella, Falcone, and Borsellino have shown that we can change this land. We can gain worldwide recognition with the pride of being Sicilian. I also thank the President of the Sicily Region, Renato Schifani, whose significant contribution made this event possible: without the Region’s support, we would not have succeeded. I thank the President of CONI, Giovanni Malagò: he has always believed in the region and defended CONI. In recent years, we have achieved results never before seen in the history of Italian sport”.

Next, the Mayor of Catania, Enrico Trantino, addressed the audience: “This is an exhilarating moment for our region. The presence of the top two figures of the state is a testament to their sensitivity towards our territory. Sport is the workshop where much of society’s future is shaped. It is not victory that makes us better, but respect for the rules of the game. May the best win, but above all, be fair and enjoy yourselves”. “This is a moment of gathering, growth, and reflection on the values that sport must embody and uphold,” added Gaetano Galvagno, President of the Sicilian Regional Assembly. “Rossella Fiamingo and Alberta Santuccio lived their dreams in Paris, while Rossana Pasquino triumphed with a Paralympic medal in the same French capital. Live every moment of this experience with passion and determination”. Renato Schifani, President of the Sicily Region, also spoke: “Sport is a fundamental value for our country, especially for you young people. It is a school of life. Through sport, young people learn respect for the rules, determination, solidarity, and team spirit. With the Trofeo CONI, we celebrate sport and friendship, shared joy”.

CONI President Giovanni Malagò expressed pride and gratitude for an unforgettable evening: “All I can say is thank you for your presence, which honours this extraordinary regional Olympics. We have travelled across Italy, but what we see here is unparalleled. If we are here today, it is because of the federation presidents and regional committee members who are elected volunteers from our movement of 14 million Italians: they bring expertise and embody a wealth of history that has made Italian sport great”.

Athletes and coaches took their respective oaths, followed by a performance by the Fratelli Napoli with their traditional marionette theatre. The Olympic cauldron was then lit. The torchbearers in Catania were fencers Rossella Fiamingo and Alberta Santuccio, gold medallists in the team épée event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games; meanwhile, in Palermo, three-time kickboxing world champion Elena Pantaleo carried the flame.

On stage in Catania, Rossana Pasquino, bronze medallist in the team foil event at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, introduced the three-year collaboration between CONI and the Agnelli Foundation. As part of this initiative, Pasquino, Fiamingo, and Santuccio will visit middle school students in Catania, sharing their experiences of balancing sport and education while excelling in both fields. “It is wonderful to be here, at home,” said Alberta Santuccio. “Seeing these young people parade reminds me of Paris: at 14, I dreamed of an Olympic medal. You must believe in your dreams.” “We have been travelling a lot recently, and it is fantastic to be back home,” added Rossella Fiamingo. “These young athletes are the future of sport. My Italian teacher used to say, ‘Sport is culture.’ He was right”.

Finally, Sergio Mattarella declared the Trofeo CONI Sicilia 2024 officially open: “Thank you, young people, you are wonderfully numerous. This opening evening launches you into days filled with enthusiasm that you will remember forever. You will display talent and friendship: best wishes for these days ahead and for your future. I declare the Trofeo CONI open”.