ASD Palestra Aps has recently been honored with the prestigious bronze star for sporting merit by CONI for the year 2023. This accolade celebrates the association’s decades-long dedication to fostering athletic excellence and community engagement. The award underscores CONI’s deep recognition for the club’s athletes,coaches,and leadership,whose collective efforts have substantially contributed to the advancement of Italian sports.
“Since our founding in 1979, we have been committed to promoting sports and social initiatives that encourage participation at every level,” stated Lorenzo Micoli, the association’s president. “In collaboration with UISP since 1997,we’ve launched numerous programs,including the ‘Arcimarcia’ running event,’GiocaGin,’ and ‘Estate in Movimento,’ which specifically targets senior citizens. To further elevate the Olympic discipline of judo, we have, as 2010, hosted annual international training sessions led by globally acclaimed instructors such as Hiroshi Katanishi and Darcel Yandzi. Additionally, since 2016, we’ve proudly organized the ‘Trofeo Italia Esordienti B,’ a prominent judo competition within the Fijlkam national circuit, and hosted the 2023 Italian Cadet Championship finals.”
The association’s athletes have achieved remarkable success, notably in judo. Notable among these achievements are the Italian championship titles secured by Giuseppe Braccioforte in 2022 and Sofia Manca in 2023. The coaching staff has also earned significant recognition.In 2022, Master Nicola Rinaldi, President of the Judo Sector of the Puglia Regional Committee of FIJLKAM, was awarded the Silver star for his decades of service to judo and his unwavering commitment to developing sports in the puglia region.
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An Exclusive Interview with Sofia Manca: Reflecting on ASD Palestra’s Bronze Star and the future of Italian Judo
Moderator: Welcome, everyone, to this special interview on our platform. Today, we have the honour of speaking with Sofia Manca, the 2023 Italian Judo Champion and a proud member of ASD Palestra Aps, the club recently awarded the prestigious bronze star for sporting merit by CONI. Sofia, thank you for joining us.
Sofia Manca: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here and to share my thoughts on this incredible achievement for our club.
Moderator: Let’s dive right in. ASD palestra has been recognized for its decades-long dedication to sports and community engagement. As someone who has grown within this club,how does it feel to see this recognition from CONI?
Sofia Manca: It’s truly an emotional moment for all of us. ASD Palestra isn’t just a club; it’s a family. We’ve worked tirelessly to promote sports at every level, from grassroots initiatives to elite competitions. This bronze star is a testament to the hard work of our athletes, coaches, and leadership. It’s a validation of our mission to inspire and empower through sports.
Moderator: Speaking of hard work,let’s talk about your journey. You won the Italian Judo Championship in 2023, a remarkable achievement. How has ASD Palestra contributed to your success?
Sofia Manca: ASD Palestra has been instrumental in my growth. the club provides not only top-notch training facilities but also a supportive environment that fosters growth. Our coaches, like Master Nicola Rinaldi, who was awarded the Silver star in 2022, are incredibly dedicated. They push us to be our best while ensuring we stay grounded and focused on our goals.
moderator: That’s fascinating. Master Nicola Rinaldi’s contributions to judo, especially in the Puglia region, are well-documented. Do you think his leadership has been a key factor in the club’s success?
Sofia Manca: Absolutely. Master Rinaldi’s passion for judo is contagious.He’s not just a coach; he’s a mentor who has shaped the careers of countless athletes.His emphasis on discipline, respect, and continuous improvement aligns perfectly with the values of ASD palestra. Under his guidance, the club has become a hub for judo excellence in Italy.
Moderator: Let’s shift gears slightly. ASD Palestra has also been involved in community programs like “Arcimarcia,” “GiocaGin,” and “estate in Movimento.” How important are these initiatives in promoting sports at the grassroots level?
Sofia Manca: These programs are the backbone of our club. They bring sports to people who might not or else have the opportunity to participate. For example, “Estate in Movimento” targets senior citizens, encouraging them to stay active and engaged. It’s not just about competition; it’s about building a healthier, more connected community.
Moderator: That’s a great point. Now, let’s talk about the international training sessions hosted by ASD Palestra since 2010. How have these sessions impacted the club and its athletes?
Sofia Manca: These sessions have been a game-changer. Training with globally acclaimed instructors like Hiroshi Katanishi and Darcel Yandzi has elevated our skills and broadened our perspectives. It’s not every day that you get to learn from the best in the world. These experiences have not only improved our techniques but also inspired us to aim higher.
Moderator: That’s incredible. ASD Palestra also organizes the “Trofeo Italia Esordienti B” and hosted the 2023 Italian Cadet Championship finals. How do these events contribute to the development of young athletes?
Sofia Manca: These events are crucial for nurturing the next generation of judo champions. They provide young athletes with a platform to showcase their skills and gain valuable experience. Competing in such prestigious tournaments builds confidence and prepares them for the challenges ahead. It’s also a great way to foster camaraderie and sportsmanship among participants.
Moderator: Sofia,as we wrap up,what’s next for ASD Palestra and for you personally?
Sofia Manca: For ASD Palestra,the goal is to continue building on this momentum. We want to expand our programs, reach more people, and keep producing champions. As for me, I’m focused on defending my title and representing Italy on the international stage. There’s still so much to achieve, and I’m excited for the journey ahead.
Moderator: Thank you, Sofia, for sharing your insights and experiences. It’s been an inspiring conversation.
Sofia Manca: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure.
Moderator’s Closing thoughts:
ASD Palestra aps’ bronze star is a well-deserved recognition of their contributions to Italian sports. From grassroots initiatives to elite competitions, the club has consistently demonstrated its commitment to excellence and community engagement.Sofia Manca’s journey is a shining example of what can be achieved with dedication, support, and the right environment.
Reader Interaction:
What are your thoughts on ASD Palestra’s achievements? Do you believe community programs like “Estate in Movimento” are essential for promoting sports? Share your opinions in the comments below and let’s keep the conversation going!
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Keywords: ASD Palestra Aps, CONI bronze star, Italian Judo Championship, Sofia Manca, master Nicola Rinaldi, Trofeo Italia Esordienti B, Italian Cadet Championship, Hiroshi Katanishi, Darcel Yandzi, Arcimarcia, GiocaGin, Estate in Movimento, FIJLKAM, Puglia sports development.
