Piedmont Gears Up for a Year of Sport
The Piedmont region is kicking off 2022 with a bold initiative: the European year of Sport. Regional authorities aim to reignite a passion for physical activity among its citizens, targeting a meaningful increase in participation by 2024.
“Our goal is to get one in two Piedmontese residents actively involved in sports at least once a week by 2024,” explains Fabrizio Ricco, the regional councilor for sport. He emphasized this ambition during a recent presentation at Expo Dubai,where he highlighted upcoming major sporting events and the 2025 Universiade.
“We set out to make Piedmont a hub for sports, and this year we’re well on our way,” Ricco stated. “Sport is a powerful driver of tourism, and thes events will fuel its growth.”
The centerpiece of this initiative is the second edition of the Nitto ATP Finals, scheduled for November in Turin. This prestigious tennis tournament is expected to draw global attention and contribute to a broader wave of sporting enthusiasm.
Beyond the ATP Finals, Piedmont is hosting a diverse array of events throughout the year, attracting an estimated 300,000 athletes and staff, and engaging two million citizens. The regional government has committed €8 million to support these initiatives.
“We’re focusing on engaging young people through tailored programs and initiatives,” Ricco added. “Before the pandemic, we had 800,000 registered athletes in Piedmont. We aim to surpass that number and revitalize sports participation after the COVID-19 slowdown.”
The official launch of the European Year of Sport will take place on March 21st at the Reggia di Venaria, setting the stage for a year packed with sporting excitement.
A Calendar Overflowing with Events
The year’s sporting calendar is brimming with events across a wide range of disciplines.
Golf enthusiasts can look forward to the World University Golf Championship (July 18-23), preceded by the National Championship (April 23-24).
Gymnastics fans will be captivated by the International Acrobatic Gymnastics Tournament (July 8-10).
Rowing aficionados can witness a major European event in Verbania on August 13-14. Mountain running enthusiasts will be drawn to the Italian Championship in Val Susa (june 15-16), while cross-country runners can participate in the European Cross Country race at the Reggia di Venaria in La Mandria on December 12.
Diving enthusiasts can enjoy two installments of the Italian Diving Championship (March 18-20 and April 1-3).
Orienteering enthusiasts can test their skills at the International Orientieering Championship (July 22-24), while water skiing fans can catch the World Cape of the Pro Am circuit in the Novara area during July.
Tennis lovers can anticipate the Serie A finals in December,following the ATP finals. April will see the qualifiers for the BNL men’s and women’s tournament kick off in Turin.
Archery takes center stage between February and October, culminating in the World Championship at the National Center of Cantalupa on October 8-9.
Volleyball will see action in Biella with four FITAV events between April and September. The city will also host the Italian Youth Table Tennis Championships in November, while the Absolute Championships will be held from March 23-27.
Twirling enthusiasts can witness the World Championships at the former Pala Ruffini in Turin from August 3-7.
Volleyball fans can enjoy the men’s Senior Championship,featuring a USA-Japan match in readiness for the World Cup in Russia,from August 14-22. The Italian women’s under 14, under 18, and under 20 championships will follow from July 11-17.
Canoe and Kayak enthusiasts can head to Ivrea for the European Cup (June 24-26) and the Under 23 World Championship (July 5-10).
Street Golf makes its Turin debut with the World Championship.
Sailing enthusiasts can enjoy twelve events on Lake Maggiore between April and December. Grass skiing will host the World Cup in Turin in July, with the location yet to be announced.
Winter sports are represented by the Ski World Cup for women in Sestriere in December, a return to the resort after hosting the event in January 2020.Roller skating events, encompassing speed, free style, artistic, and track specialties, will take place between March and June.
Triathlon enthusiasts can participate in the Triathlon Cup on may 7-8.
Martial arts will be showcased through the National and Interregional Taekwondo Competition (October-December),the Fijlkam European Championship (Italian Federation of Judo Fight Karate Martial Arts),and the Boxing Championship in Biella.
Climbing enthusiasts can test their skills at the National Climbing Championship in Grugliasco on June 23-24.
Hockey fans can enjoy the finals of the Hockey your plate championship with 13 events from May to September, marking the inauguration of a new field in Turin. Football will see the women’s under 15, under 17, and spring championships between May and June, as well as the women’s Champions league final at the Juventus Stadium on May 21. The men’s A and B five-a-side football finals will also take place.
Rally enthusiasts can experience the International Rally of Alba from June 23-25.
Softball takes center stage with the European championship in Turin from August 15-20.
Cycling fans can look forward to the Giro d’Italia arriving in Turin on May 21 after passing through Cuneo, Santena, and Rivarolo. The Gran Piemonte will start in Beinasco in October,heading towards the lakes,and the Milano Torino will arrive in Rivoli on March 16.
This extensive program promises to make 2022 a truly unforgettable year for sports in Piedmont.
Piedmont: A hotbed for Sport in 2022
The Piedmont region of Italy is preparing for a truly momentous year, championing the ideology of the European Year of Sport with ambitious goals and an amazing lineup of events. This isn’t just about hosting competitions; it’s about igniting a passion for physical activity within its citizens and establishing Piedmont as a premier sporting destination.
Councilor Fabrizio Ricco’s vision is clear: get one in two Piedmontese residents actively participating in sports at least once a week by 2024. This isn’t a pipe dream; it’s a strategic initiative backed by €8 million in funding and a calendar bursting with diverse sporting events.
More Than Just the ATP Finals: While the prestigious Nitto ATP Finals in november will undoubtedly draw global attention and act as a major catalyst for sporting enthusiasm, Piedmont’s ambition extends far beyond this headline event.
The region is committed to nurturing a range of sports, catering to athletes and fans of all disciplines.From golf and gymnastics to rowing, mountain running, diving, orienteering, tennis, and even archery and volleyball, Piedmont’s 2022 calendar offers something for everyone.
Targeting Youth Engagement: Recognizing the crucial role youths play in sustaining long-term sporting participation, Piedmont is focusing on tailored programs and initiatives to engage younger generations. Before the pandemic, the region boasted an remarkable 800,000 registered athletes. By reigniting this enthusiasm and surpassing pre-pandemic numbers, Piedmont aims to rewrite a successful sporting narrative in the post-COVID era.
A Ripple Effect of Benefits: The region’s commitment to sport isn’t just about athletes and fitness.Councilor Ricco emphasizes the powerful role sport plays in driving tourism and boosting the local economy. The influx of athletes, staff, and spectators will undoubtedly benefit Piedmont’s hospitality and service industries.
Looking Ahead to a Successful 2022: With the official launch of the European Year of Sport slated for March 21st at the magnificent Reggia di Venaria, Piedmont is poised for a year brimming with sporting excitement. This ambitious initiative has the potential to not only reshape the region’s sporting landscape but also inspire a deeper understanding of the profound impact sport can have on individuals, communities, and the economy at large. The world will be watching as piedmont takes center stage in 2022.
