UniCamillus University is once again the main player in the Rome University Championships. Now in its 19th edition, the presentation of this new season took place last Friday at the CONI Hall of Honour at the Foro Italico. Several delegations from the universities of Rome were present, as well as many guests of honour, including old sports celebrities and institutions. The Council Member for Sport of Roma Capitale, Alessandro Onorato, together with the heads of CONI and the organizers of Time Sport Roma, introduced this year’s event by presenting the various individual tournaments of the different disciplines.
The UniCamillus delegation included representatives of the football (also 5-a-side football) and basketball teams. In the picture, from left to right, are Luigi Natale (football), Giovanni Grassi (football), Francesco Corrado (basketball team coach), Michele Orefice (football), Christian Summa (football team coach), Massimo Gargiulo (team manager) and Lorenzo Troiano (basketball). The students/athletes will fly the UniCamillus colours, although the spirit of the whole event is inspired by Olympic principles. This will be reflected in the fact that, during the ceremony, the oath normally sworn at the opening of the Olympic Games will be read in Italian and English by some of the participating athletes. The commitment to a clean and fair game, with respect for the opponents and the referees, is the basis of all the fun that has made this initiative possible over the years.
Representing these values and promoting the importance of sport as a healthy, social, inclusive and respectful way of life was former athlete and Olympic champion Daniele Masala. He has also recently become a UniCamillus lecturer, but on this particular occasion he had the impartial role of guest of honour, and in his speech he reminded everyone of the importance, in sport as in life–in the case of students, in studying–of commitment and dedication in order to achieve your results, without taking illusory shortcuts.