The city of L’Aquila mourns the disappearance of Gianfranco Bizzini, historic president of L’Aquila basketball and “engine” of city sport.
“The president of all”, this is how the 2k5 sports club remembers it: “We know very well that in the silence of your pain, first in sports and then in health, you taught us that there are very few people like you. The collaboration of 2k5 with L’Aquila basketball after the earthquake, which lasted 10 years, has highlighted your strength not to give up despite all the difficulties. We know how much you have suffered from all of this. We will try to complete your task and revive your dear gym in Piazza d’Armi, the soul of Aquilano basketball where L’Aquila basketball played up to the Serie B championship. How many times did your eyes light up when you spoke to us , after the earthquake, of your dreams and to make the sound of the ball in wedges resound on the parquet you rebuilt and to fill the gym again with boys. It was shortly … Here we will try. Many of us, many of us will always be grateful to you for having given a point of reference to the whole city. Hi Gianfranco and above all thanks! ”.
“I would like to express, on behalf of the Municipality and in a personal capacity, sentiments of sincere condolences for the death of Gianfranco Bizzini. L’Aquila loses a figure that for years has been a reference point for sport and, in particular, for basketball which thanks to his contribution has reached important levels, giving prestige to the entire city. Results achieved thanks also to his dedication to what was a passion and not a job, to which he constantly lent time, energy and great generosity. To the sister and brother, Paola and Pierluigi, to the children Francesca and Lorenzo and to the family members all the deepest condolences reach ”. This was declared by the mayor of L’Aquila, Pierluigi Biondi.
“On behalf of myself and of the Abruzzo Region I express deep condolences for the untimely death of Gianfranco Bizzini, president of L’Aquila Basket”: this was stated in a note by the regional councilor for sport, Guido Liris. “One of the engines of basketball in L’Aquila had extraordinary strength and tenacity, which, however, were not enough against the evil he was fighting”, adds Liris. “He has represented an authentic point of reference for entire generations, considering that sport has a profound social and aggregation value. It is also thanks to him that in a provincial city many young people have approached a sport considered to be second-class”, remembers Liris, “not only to practice it but also as fans, considering that basketball has experienced very important seasons in the city and that, even today, it finds itself with a Serie B club. To his loved ones and those who loved him, a affectionate embrace of condolence “, concludes Liris.
For the L’Aquila regional councilor of the Democratic Party, Pierpaolo Pietrucci, “the memory and teachings of Gianfranco Bizzini cross every field boundary and every type of ball. A beautiful and full life, spent cheering and guiding Aquila basketball, the sport that par excellence teaches how to score while looking at the sky. Gianfranco – writes Pietrucci – supported basketball in the city even when it was not easy or comfortable and the boys, many, who learned from him the values of sacrifice and the team, know well how important it is to be great inside, but above all off the field ; as he wanted and as Gianfranco was. I remember him after the earthquake, making himself available to the Municipality led by Massimo Cialente to help the Civil Protection to take a census and plan the reconstruction of all sports facilities. With him, with me, they were there Giampaolo Arduini, Antonello Passacantando, Luciano Perazzathe great, never forgotten, Mauro Zaffiri. Hard times, but of great men. Hello, Gianfra ‘. Hello, President “.
