The ”VS Sport” column of Vivere Senigallia continues with its interviews. Today we chatted a bit with Luigi Giacomelli, Vice President and General Manager of Senigallia Basketball.
Photo by Matteo Ferri
Born in 1996, in addition to sport, his interests mainly lie in music, technology and being able to share things with old friends. He doesn’t have a real dream in his drawer because more than anything he has a chest of dreams. He has been lucky enough to travel and is extremely grateful for this because every place he has visited has given him something, but only Senigallia feels like home to him and that is why he is here now.
When and how did you become a basketball fan?
A passion born during my exchange year in America, in Orlando, when I was in the fourth year of high school. There, basketball is much more than a sport: it is culture, aggregation and entertainment. I experienced the reality of American basketball up close, breathing in its energy and enthusiasm. It was an experience that made me fall in love with this sport and that marked my path, both personal and professional.
The first round of the First Phase of inter-regional Serie B closed its doors last week. Could you give us a general overview of this first part of the season?
Having reached the end of the first round, we can say that we have acquired greater awareness of our potential and the margins for improvement. After the injury that ended Giovanni Sablich’s season things got a little complicated, we have now added William Clementi to the squad and we are counting on his help this season. We know there are many difficult challenges ahead of us, but the group is showing character and determination.
You are Vice President and General Manager of the company, in addition to your managerial roles, you are often seen interacting directly with the team, in celebrations and gestures that recall those of a fan. This dynamic, on the part of managers, is not present in all situations. Do you think that the closeness and relationship between players and management is fundamental?
Absolutely yes, I believe that the direct relationship with the players is fundamental. I am convinced that a sports club cannot function without strong harmony between all its members, from managers to players, through to the entire technical staff. When kids feel our closeness and support, a sense of family is created that can make the difference. They know that we are there not only to manage the administrative part, but also to share the emotions of the camp. This motivates them and makes them more united. We want them to feel like they’re part of something special.
Furthermore, you are also active in the field of charity with your Foundation. Leaving aside economic wealth in this circumstance, sport, as well as having a function of social inclusion, what can it give personally and morally? In your opinion, can doing sport fall in all respects into the field of charity?
Sport, in addition to promoting physical health, is a powerful tool for personal and moral growth. It helps to develop fundamental values such as discipline, respect, collaboration, and to overcome one’s limits. I believe that playing sport is, in all respects, an act of charity towards oneself and towards the community. When we organize inclusive sporting activities, we allow anyone to participate and feel part of a group, breaking down social and cultural barriers. This is the true meaning of charity: giving others the opportunity to improve and grow.
How is basketball in Italy? How do you see its evolution in our country?
It is essentially in a transition phase. There are many local entities that work well and are growing, but at a national level there is still work to be done to return to the levels of excellence of the past. We need greater investment in structures and in the youth sector, but above all more incisive promotion of our sport on a media level. I am optimistic however, because I see more and more young people becoming passionate about basketball and this is a sign that the movement can only grow.
Your ambitions for the future?
Continue to grow the club sustainably and work to further develop our youth sector. I firmly believe that the future of basketball lies with young people. We want to create an environment where kids can grow not only as players, but above all as people, learning the values of sport. For me, success is not just about results on the field, but also about leaving a lasting legacy for the community and younger generations. I would like Senigallia to become a point of reference for the development of local talents, giving them the opportunities to emerge and contribute to the Italian basketball movement.
