Fucecchio Hosts Judo Tournament to Combat gender Violence
On January 19th, 2025, the Fucecchio Sports Hall will transform into a hub of athleticism, compassion, and awareness. From 9:30 am onwards, the inaugural “Judo for Lilith” Trophy will take center stage, uniting young judo enthusiasts aged 6 to 11 in a competition dedicated to a noble cause: fighting against gender-based violence.
This groundbreaking event, spearheaded by judo master Alessandro Di Clemente of the Asd Kodokan of Empoli and Iari Sani, is projected to draw approximately 600 aspiring athletes from across the region.Di Clemente emphasizes that the trophy transcends a mere sporting event; itS a tangible demonstration of support for the lilith Center, an organization tirelessly working to combat gender violence.
“This initiative is part of a broader commitment we’ve undertaken, including our ‘Self-Defense Pills’ program,” explains Di clemente. “The ‘Judo for Lilith’ Trophy represents a significant step in raising awareness about this critical issue among both children and adults.”
The tournament’s genesis lies in the unwavering dedication of local entities like Denim Srl and the Casa Matilda project, both committed to supporting women and children affected by violence. Michele and Carlo Cinelli, key figures behind the initiative, highlight the project’s evolution: “Our ‘self-Defense Pills’ program, though modest in scale, had a profound impact. This year, we decided to expand our efforts by organizing this tournament to generate funds and amplify the Lilith Center’s visibility. We hope the community embraces this event with enthusiasm, as every contribution, no matter how small, can make a difference.”
The initiative has garnered eager support from local authorities. Sabrina Mazzei, Councilor for Equal Opportunities of the municipality of Fucecchio, expressed her delight: “Hosting the first tournament in our arena, dedicated to such a vital cause, is an honor. When approached, I instantly recognized the importance of this initiative and we pledged our full support without hesitation. This event presents a unique opportunity to raise awareness within our community, engaging not only young athletes but also parents and grandparents. The Municipality of Fucecchio remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the Lilith center and the Casa Matilda project, laying the groundwork for a more equitable and secure future.”
Eleonora Gallerini, President of the Lilith Center, expressed her gratitude to all those involved: “Events like these infuse us with hope and strength to continue our daily work. Every judoka who steps onto the tatami on Sunday will be representing all the women and children striving to rebuild their lives.This sends a powerful message: sport can be a catalyst for change, a tangible form of solidarity that raises awareness and inspires action.”
The “Judo for Lilith” Trophy promises to be more than just a sporting competition; it will be a moment of reflection, shared commitment, and collective action. For further details, please visit the event’s dedicated page on the Tuscany Regional Committee’s official website.
Source: Public assistance Riunite Empoli and Castelfiorentino
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Judo for Lilith: More Than Just a Tournament
This Saturday, January 19th, the Fucecchio Sports Hall will be more than just a venue for athletic competition. It will become a platform for social change, a testament to the power of sport to raise awareness and drive positive impact. The inaugural “Judo for Lilith” Trophy, a judo tournament for young athletes aged 6 to 11, goes beyond the typical sporting event.
spearheaded by judo master Alessandro Di Clemente of the Asd Kodokan of Empoli and Iari Sani, this tournament is projected to bring together around 600 young judoka from across the region. Though, the focus extends far beyond the mat. The event serves as a direct and tangible presentation of support for the Lilith Center, an institution tirelessly combating gender-based violence.
“This involves much more than winning medals,” emphasizes Di Clemente. “This tournament, alongside our existing ‘Self-Defense Pills’ program, reflects a commitment to raising awareness about this critical issue, engaging both children and adults in a vital conversation.”
The “Judo for Lilith” Trophy is the culmination of a collaborative effort. Local entities Denim Srl and the Casa Matilda project, both deeply dedicated to supporting women and children affected by violence, have been instrumental in bringing this vision to fruition. Michele and Carlo Cinelli, key figures in this initiative, highlight the evolution of their work: “The ‘Self-Defense Pills’ program, while valuable, necessitated expansion. We aim to amplify the Lilith Center’s visibility and generate funds, recognizing that every contribution, no matter how small, can have a profound impact.”
The tournament has garnered enthusiastic support from local authorities. Sabrina Mazzei, Councilor for Equal Opportunities of the municipality of Fucecchio, underlines the meaning this event holds for the community: “Hosting the first tournament of this type, dedicated to such a crucial cause, is an honor.We instantly recognized the importance and pledged our full support, recognizing the unique opportunity this event presents to raise awareness, engaging not only young athletes but also their families and the wider community. The municipality remains steadfast in its support for the Lilith Center and the Casa Matilda project.”
“Judo for Lilith” is a powerful reminder that sport can be a force for social good. It transcends the boundaries of the competition,transforming into a platform for raising awareness,fostering empathy,and driving meaningful change in the fight against gender-based violence.
