Asti Mourns the Loss of Judo Pioneer adele Manfredda Promis
the Asti sporting community is deeply saddened by the passing of Adele Manfredda Promis,a lifelong champion of judo who dedicated decades to nurturing the sport in the region. Promis, who was 88 years old, was the founding president of Judo Olimpic Asti asd, a position she held since 2006.
Promis’s passion for judo ignited in the 1970s, inspired by the legendary Maestro franco Balladelli, a figure synonymous with judo in Asti since 1955. She actively supported her children, Luciana and Maria Teresa, as they pursued judo, both achieving black belt status and becoming prominent athletes in Asti.
Even after her children moved on from competitive judo,Promis’s commitment to the sport never wavered. Her dedication led her to become the first president of a judo jury, ascending through the ranks to preside over a national jury. In the mid-1980s, she took the helm of the judo section at Polisportiva Cassa di Risparmio di Asti, further solidifying her legacy in the sport.
Promis’s unwavering support for judo extended to the next generation. Her granddaughter, Silvia Pellitteri, is a testament to this enduring legacy. Pellitteri, a member of the Italian national judo team, secured a silver medal at the 2019 European Championships and has won numerous tournaments, carrying the torch of Promis’s passion.
Gianni Balladelli, son of Maestro Franco and a judo master himself, spoke fondly of Promis’s unwavering presence at the annual Memorial dedicated to his father. “She never missed a single event,” Balladelli shared, “always eager to inspire the athletes with her words. Her loss is deeply felt,but she will forever be remembered as our president.”
Promis’s contributions to judo in Asti were recognized with the Coni bronze Star for sporting merits. Her legacy extends beyond awards and accolades; it lives on in the countless lives she touched and the generations of athletes she inspired.
A rosary will be held this evening at 8:30 pm at the small church of Valmanera, followed by the funeral service tomorrow afternoon at 10:30 am.
Honoring a Legend: A Conversation with Silvia Pellitteri About the Legacy of Adele Manfredda Promis
The Asti sporting world mourns the loss of a true pioneer, adele Manfredda Promis, a woman whose dedication to judo rippled through generations.As we reflect on her unbelievable legacy, it felt crucial to speak with someone deeply connected to promis’s journey. Today,we’re joined by Silvia Pellitteri,Promis’s granddaughter and a member of the Italian National Judo Team.Silvia, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us.
Moderator: Silvia,your grandmotherS impact on judo in Asti is undeniable. How did she manage to cultivate such a lasting passion for the sport, not just for herself but for others as well?
Silvia Pellitteri: My Nonna Adele was truly remarkable. Judo wasn’t just a sport to her; it was a way of life. She was inspired by Maestro Franco Balladelli in the 1970s, and that passion ignited a fire in her.Seeing her own daughters, my aunts, excel in judo fuelled her dedication even further.
She always emphasized the importance of discipline, respect, and perseverance – values that extended far beyond the judo mat.
Moderator: You mentioned discipline and respect. Those are qualities frequently enough associated with judo. Do you believe Promis’s leadership style reflected these values, and how did she instill them in others?
Silvia Pellitteri: Absolutely. Nonna Adele led by example. She was incredibly strong-willed and demanded the best from herself and others, but always with fairness and kindness. She believed in empowering athletes, nurturing their talent, and creating a supportive community. The way she ran the Judo Olimpic Asti asd, and even the national jury, was a testament to her leadership.
Moderator: It’s fascinating how her impact stretched from grassroots judo to the national level. Her legacy is truly inspiring. Your own journey as a judoka is a testament to her enduring influence.
Can you share how Promis’s presence shaped your journey and what lessons you carry with you as you compete on the international stage?
Silvia Pellitteri: I wouldn’t be where I am today without my Nonna. She was my biggest cheerleader. She instilled in me a belief in myself and my abilities, and she always reminded me to never give up, even when things got tough.
Seeing her dedication and love for judo pushed me to work harder and pursue my dreams. Every time I step onto the mat, I carry her spirit with me.
Moderator: That’s incredibly moving, Silvia. Promis made a lasting impact on Asti, both within the sport and the community at large. What do you hope peopel will remember most about her?
Silvia Pellitteri: I want people to remember Nonna Adele for her unwavering passion,her infectious enthusiasm,and her unwavering belief in the power of sport to transform lives.
She was a pioneer who broke barriers and paved the way for generations of athletes. She showed us that with dedication, hard work, and a belief in yourself, anything is possible.
Moderator: Silvia, thank you for sharing these insights into the incredible life of adele Manfredda Promis. It’s clear that her legacy will continue to inspire judoka in Asti and beyond for years to come.
What are your thoughts on the impact Adele Manfredda Promis had on judo and the community of Asti? Share your memories and reflections in the comments below.
