From the meeting on a golf course in the Marche to the book Sylvester. The Story of Sylvester Gray (2023), Paola Rivolta e Sylvester Gray they retraced the tortuous life of the former basketball player Gray and outlined the world of American and Italian basketball in the 80s and 90s together with the members of the Panathlon Club Pesaro chaired by Angelo Spagnuolo.
«We met by chance on a golf course – says the author Paola Rivolta – he had this story to tell and asked for information from Luigi Scarfiottiowner of the camp, whom I had met while working on another book of mine dedicated to the world of motors. This is how we started this adventure. Through the story of his human and professional story, I discovered the world of American basketball, from high schools to the NBA, a world that is certainly less golden than one might think. The basketball career takes Sylvester around the world and everywhere he is appreciated and loved. He was an anomalous player, he didn’t follow fashions, he didn’t go to clubs and parties. He was interested in playing, keeping fit, living a quiet life, aspects that set him apart from others and that many did not accept. Sylvester chose to tell his story as an example to young people. So that others don’t have to suffer decisions dictated behind their backs, as happened to him. He had great strength, he went through these events preserving himself and his ethics. It’s an important message for young people.”
«Basketball took me away from Millington, Tennessee, from an economically difficult situation – This is how his testimony begins Sylvester Gray – when I was young I didn’t understand the political part of sport, I was only interested in playing. In the world of sport there is both positive and negative, those who love you and those who love you badly, when you are young it is important to find those who love you. From Millington I was catapulted into the NBA in Miami, two completely different universes. I played with my heart, as usual. The experience on the pitch was wonderful, unlike other less noble aspects outside of the parquet. When I arrived in Italy I knew nothing about this country, I discovered it and loved it by visiting museums and its beauties. I chose to stay and live here, in Italy, in the Marche region. I have a daughter here, I like being here, I wouldn’t change life here for anything: it’s much better than in the USA.”
«Gray’s message – comments the President of the Panathlon Club Pesaro Angelo Spagnuolo – is very significant, because it makes us understand that even in sport, especially professional sport, there are many aspects to improve, so that the affirmation of fair play and sporting ethics, principles very dear to our association, fully prevail.”
Among the guests of the evening the Area 5 Panathlon Governor, Stefano Ripanti; the President of the Panathlon Club Rimini, Gianluca Riguzzi; the President of the Lions Club Pesaro Della Rovere, Eleonora Rubechi Mensitieri.
