Appeal by President Casellati, ‘we need to invest in sport’

“Getting together today represents an opportunity to remember how strong the link between sport, culture, tourism, publishing, trade and many other sectors of our economy and society is, especially in Italy. A relationship that is also strengthened through numerous competitions that take place periodically in our country, involving tens of thousands of athletes, but also amateurs and enthusiasts from every corner of the world. Very important showcases, especially when it comes to national and international events, to make known the infinite resources of an Italy rich in environmental, landscape and artistic treasures and to promote sports tourism which, before the pandemic, was worth almost half a point of GDP, with an annual turnover of over 7 and a half billion euros “. This was stated by the president of the Senate, Elisabetta Casellati, speaking at the presentation of the eighth edition of the literary prize dedicated to Memo Geremia, player, coach and then president of Petrarca Rugby for many years. “These are important figures, the result – recalled the second position of the State – of an industrious and tireless reality that today, amid uncertainties and scarce resources, is still struggling to restart. Difficulties in front of which the awareness that investing in sport is not just good to health, but also to the economy and society “.” Because it means restoring oxygen and supporting the efforts of important production and commercial chains, from crafts to large industry, which are often an expression of Italian excellence admired all over the world . Because it means protecting the work of many citizens and preserving a social wealth represented by the countless sports associations present in our cities, starting with the small amateur clubs that often for many young people are a point of reference no less important than the school “. “Above all, because it would mean – concluded Casellati – to restore confidence and nourish the positive spirit that sport embodies in all its forms and which is essential to any ambition for revenge. The revenge of an Italy that must be able to believe in itself again. and heading towards a new season of rebirth by looking at sport and the culture of sport also as a precious source of inspiration “.