by Eugenio La Mesa
(photo)
In the beautiful surroundings of the Stadio dei Marmi in Rome on Sunday, March 7th, the first mini-rugby tournament “Sport Against Drugs” was held. It was organized by the Italian Committee for Sport against Drugs – Association Benemerita of the National Olympic Committee, National Federation of Rugby, Regional Rugby Committee of Lazio, U.S. Primavera Rugby and the Italian Federation of Sports Medicine.
The purpose of the tournament was to confirm that sport is a valuable intervention for the prevention of adolescent non acceptable behavior and drug use. To this end, rugby was chosen as an example and model of a sport that helps to create a very strong spirit of cooperation and unity, sacrifice and dedication, the sense of implementing rules, respect for opponents, team mates, coaches and referees, in a framework of loyalty and commitment.
The tournament saw the participation of 22 teams in the “Under 6″, “Under 8″ and “Under 10″.
Cure2Children was present at the stand of the Italian Committee for Sport Against Drugs, and I had the opportunity to make a short speech over the microphone before the tournament began, talking about the foundation, how to help with birthday solidarity and wedding and party favors. Every parent was handed a Cure2Children brochure.
I also was able to meet
- Ambassador Alberto Schepisi, President of the Italian Committee for Sport Against Drugs
- Giulia Rhone, Assessore for Culture, Entertainment and Sport for the Lazio Region
- Lorenzo Zileri, U.S. President Primavera Rugby
- Giuliano D’Ambrosio, Director U.S. Primavera Rugby Federation and member of Lazio Regional Rugby
It was a great day of sport, and to see hundreds of children playing rugby in the setting of the Stadio dei Marmi, was an incredible spectacle.
We will also be present at the end of May in Rome at the Peppe Brucato tournament, with 1,700 children from all over Italy.
Our thanks to Raffaella Calabretta for this opportunity.