Isola Capo Rizzuto Celebrates Judo excellence
Isola Capo Rizzuto continues to demonstrate its commitment to athletic prowess, this time through the remarkable achievements of its young judo athletes. The recent awarding of black belts to three local students highlights the island’s burgeoning sporting culture and the dedication of its athletes.
Mayor Maria grazia Vittimberga lauded the accomplishment during the ceremony held at the San Rocco School gymnasium, the home of Judo Calabro Loprete. She praised the sport for its emphasis on respect and sportsmanship, noting the unique camaraderie between competitors, a quality frequently enough absent in more mainstream sports.
“It’s truly inspiring to witness the emergence of these talented individuals from our community,” stated Mayor Vittimberga. “This is a historic moment for Isola Capo Rizzuto, marking the first time as Teresa Loprete’s success that three athletes have earned black belts in judo.”
The three recipients, Mattia Gallo, Antonio Lequoque, and Adam Idri, are all students of former island champion Teresa Loprete. loprete herself expressed gratitude towards the municipal administration for thier unwavering support.
“The success of these young athletes is a testament to the collaborative spirit within our community,” Loprete remarked. “The municipality’s belief in our program, coupled with the generosity of the ‘Gioacchino da Fiore’ school and its manager, Antonio Libardi, has provided us with a welcoming and supportive environment to train and excel.”
Loprete specifically acknowledged the Mayor, Councilor Gaetano Muto, and Councilor Santino Iuliano, a former judoka himself, for their consistent presence and encouragement. Their dedication exemplifies the strong bond between the local government and the sporting community in Isola Capo Rizzuto.
Building Champions: An Interview with Judo Maestro Teresa Loprete
Welcome back, sports fans! Today, we’re diving into the heart of Isola Capo Rizzuto’s thriving judo community, and there’s no better guide than Sensei Teresa Loprete, the driving force behind Judo Calabro Loprete. Teresa, congratulations on the recent black belt achievement of three of your students! This is a truly historic moment for your school and the island.
Teresa: Thank you! It’s an incredible honor to see Mattia, Antonio, and Adam reach this milestone. Their dedication, discipline, and passion for judo have been truly inspiring, and seeing their hard work pay off is deeply rewarding.
It’s clear that Isola Capo Rizzuto is experiencing a judo renaissance. Mayor Vittimberga highlighted the sport’s unique emphasis on respect and sportsmanship. How crucial are these values to your training ideology?
Teresa: Absolutely essential. Judo is more than just winning.It’s about self-betterment, building character, and fostering a sense of community. We instill in our students the importance of respecting both opponents and themselves, learning from every experience, whether victory or defeat.
That resonates strongly with Mayor vittimberga’s comments on the camaraderie within judo. Do you think this spirit of mutual respect sets judo apart from other sports?
Teresa: I believe so. While competition is a part of judo, it’s not the sole focus. We encourage our students to support each other,learn from each other,and celebrate each other’s successes. There’s a genuine sense of camaraderie on and off the mat that’s truly special.
You’ve also spoken about the support of the local community, particularly from the “Gioacchino da Fiore” school and the municipal administration. How crucial is this backing for the continued growth of judo in Isola Capo Rizzuto?
Teresa: Invaluable. the support we’ve received from the school, Mayor Vittimberga, Councilor Muto, and even former judoka councilor Iuliano, has been instrumental in creating a nurturing environment for our athletes. Access to training facilities,equipment,and the unwavering belief of our community allows us to focus on what truly matters – developing well-rounded individuals through judo.
Looking ahead, what are your hopes and aspirations for Judo Calabro Loprete and the future of judo in Isola Capo Rizzuto?
Teresa: We want to continue fostering a passion for judo among young people, nurturing their athletic potential, and instilling values that will serve them throughout their lives. Our doors are open to everyone, nonetheless of age or experience, and we hope to see Judo Calabro Loprete grow into a hub for athletic excellence and personal growth within the community.
Thank you, Sensei Loprete, for your time and inspiring insights. Readers, what are your thoughts on the role of judo in building character and community? Share your opinions in the comments below!
