“School Sports: A Platform for Instilling Core Values.” Across urban and rural areas, 31 primary and secondary schools are gearing up to participate in an extensive sports initiative set to kick off shortly. The program, packed with diverse athletic events, will commence on Thursday, January 23, at the Dordoni Campus. The opening event, a cross-country race, will see 450 middle and high school students competing between 9:45 AM and 12:30 PM.
February will bring the spotlight to volleyball,with tournaments for both boys and girls in the Cadet category (grades 2 and 3 of middle school). Due to overwhelming registrations, the competition has been divided into three groups: val d’Arda, Val Tidone, and the city area. March will shift focus to 3×3 basketball, involving high school students in their first three years, alongside volleyball and football matches spanning from Cadet to Junior levels (grades 4 and 5 of high school).Badminton will also make its debut during this period.
While specific dates are still being finalized, April will feature table tennis and flag rugby—a non-contact variant where players aim to snatch flags from opponents. Track and field athletics will take center stage on April 15-16 and April 29-30. Early May will see regional competitions in Cesenatico,followed by provincial finals in the latter half of the month,crowning champions across various disciplines.
Mayor Katia Tarasconi extended her greetings during a meeting held in the Council Room, attended by key figures such as Mario Dadati, Sports Councilor, and Andrea grossi, Director of the Territorial School Office for Parma and Piacenza.Also present were Fiorenzo Zani, Head of Ust for Physical Education Services, Robert Gionelli, CONI Provincial Delegate, and representatives from partnering organizations. Notable attendees included Alessandro Arata from the Federation of Sports Doctors, school principals Elisabetta Ghiretti (Respighi High School) and Monica Ferri (Colombini High School), Elisabetta Dordoni from sport and Health, Cesare Lucca from Fipav, CONI Technical Coordinator Pietro Peveri, and Paolo Michelotti from the Rowing Federation.
Engaging Interview with paolo Michelotti: A Deep Dive into the Upcoming School Sports Initiative
Moderator: Welcome, everyone, to today’s engaging discussion on the upcoming school sports initiative set to kick off at the Dordoni Campus. Joining us is Paolo Michelotti, a retired rowing champion and current representative of the Rowing Federation, who has been actively involved in promoting sports at the grassroots level. Paolo, thank you for being here.
Paolo Michelotti: thank you for having me. It’s always a pleasure to discuss initiatives that inspire the younger generation through sports.
Moderator: Let’s dive right in. The program begins with a cross-country race involving 450 middle and high school students. what are your thoughts on starting with such a large-scale event?
Paolo Michelotti: I think it’s brilliant. Cross-country races are a fantastic way to build endurance and resilience. They’re also inclusive—students of varying skill levels can participate. Moreover, it sets the tone for the rest of the program by emphasizing teamwork and determination.
Moderator: That’s a great point. Moving to February, the focus shifts to volleyball, with tournaments divided into three groups due to overwhelming registrations. Do you think this approach helps manage the scale of the event effectively?
Paolo Michelotti: Absolutely. Dividing the competition into groups like Val d’Arda, Val Tidone, and the city area ensures that the tournaments remain manageable and competitive. It also gives more students the opportunity to participate and shine in their respective categories.
Moderator: In March, we see the introduction of 3×3 basketball, alongside volleyball and football. What’s your take on the inclusion of 3×3 basketball, which is relatively new in school sports programs?
Paolo Michelotti: 3×3 basketball is a fantastic addition.It’s fast-paced, requires strategic thinking, and is highly engaging for both players and spectators. It’s also a great way to introduce basketball to students who might not have played the traditional 5v5 format.
moderator: April introduces flag rugby and table tennis, with track and field athletics taking center stage later in the month. How do thes events contribute to the overall program?
Paolo Michelotti: Flag rugby is a non-contact variant, making it accessible and safe for younger students. Table tennis, on the other hand, is excellent for developing reflexes and concentration. Track and field athletics, though, are the cornerstone of any sports program. They test speed, strength, and stamina, and I’m thrilled to see them highlighted here.
Moderator: The program culminates in May with regional and provincial finals. How vital are these competitions in fostering a competitive spirit among students?
Paolo Michelotti: These finals are crucial. They give students something to strive for and bring out the best in them. Winning a provincial title is a notable achievement that can inspire students to pursue sports at higher levels.
Moderator: The initiative has garnered support from key figures like Mayor Katia Tarasconi and Sports Councilor Mario dadati. How does such backing impact the success of the program?
Paolo michelotti: Support from local authorities and organizations is vital.It ensures adequate funding,resources,and visibility. It also sends a strong message to students that their efforts and achievements are valued by the community.
Moderator: Paolo,we’ve covered a lot of ground today. Before we wrap up,what message would you like to share with the students participating in this initiative?
Paolo michelotti: I’d say this: Embrace every moment of this journey. Whether you win or lose, the lessons you learn from sports—discipline, teamwork, and perseverance—will stay with you for life. Give it your all and enjoy the experience!
Moderator: Thank you, Paolo, for your insights.This initiative is undoubtedly a step in the right direction for fostering sportsmanship and core values among students.
To our readers: What are your thoughts on this sports program? do you believe school sports play a vital role in shaping character? Share your opinions in the comments below and let’s keep the conversation going!
