A Night of Unity and Generosity: Capri Lions Club Welcomes New Member
The elegant Palazzo Cappuccini Art Relais in Naples recently hosted a memorable evening brimming with camaraderie and a shared commitment to making a difference.The Capri Lions Club, under the leadership of President Carlo Russo, warmly welcomed their newest member, Michele Catania, in a customary ceremony graced by the presence of Lions Governor, Thomas of Naples.
This significant occasion not onyl solidified the club’s sense of community but also underscored its core mission: service to others. The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the fundraising gala dinner, with all proceeds earmarked for the Star Judo Club, a beacon of hope and social transformation led by Gianni Maddaloni.
president Russo eloquently expressed the sentiment of the evening: “The overwhelming support we’ve received tonight is a testament to the boundless generosity of our Lions members and all those who joined us. This remarkable outcome proves that when we combine fellowship with a spirit of giving, extraordinary things are possible. I am deeply honored to champion an organization like Star Judo, a place of renewal and optimism, especially during this special jubilee year.”
Adding to the evening’s celebratory atmosphere, the Capri Lions Club presented a prestigious award to engineer Paolo Colangelo, recognizing his unwavering dedication and invaluable contributions to the club’s endeavors. This gesture emphasized the power of collaboration in achieving shared goals.
Overwhelmed with gratitude, Gianni Maddaloni conveyed his heartfelt thankfulness: “I extend my sincerest thanks to President Carlo Russo and the entire Capri Lions Club for this extraordinary gesture, as well as to all the attendees who have placed their faith in our mission. Every contribution received empowers us to continue providing opportunities and positively impacting lives. At Star Judo, we strive to impart not only martial arts skills but also essential values such as respect, discipline, and belief in a brighter future.”
Giving Back: A Conversation with olympic Judo Champion,Giulia Quintavalle
Tonight,we have the pleasure of speaking with Giulia quintavalle,a decorated Italian judoka and Olympic bronze medalist. Giulia, thank you for joining us.
Giulia: It’s my pleasure to be here. It’s fantastic to talk about initiatives that support organizations like Star Judo Club.
Moderator: Absolutely. Recently, the Capri Lions Club hosted a fundraising gala for the Star judo Club in Naples. We see amazing athletes like yourself dedicating time and energy to supporting grassroots organizations. What are your thoughts on the importance of sports clubs like Star Judo in communities?
Giulia: They’re invaluable. Judo, more than just a sport, teaches discipline, respect, and resilience – values that are beneficial in all aspects of life. Clubs like Star Judo provide a safe space for young people to develop these skills,build confidence,and potentially discover a passion they never knew they had.
Moderator: The Capri Lions Club, known for their dedication to service, also presented engineer Paolo Colangelo with an award for his contributions to the club’s efforts. This event seemed to highlight the power of collaboration and community spirit.
Giulia: True. Success in any field, whether it’s sports or community service, relies on teamwork and shared vision.recognizing contributions likePaolo Colangelo’s is essential. It inspires others and shows the impact individuals can have when they work together towards a common goal.
Moderator: President Russo mentioned the “boundless generosity” of the Lions club members and attendees. Many argue that sports, especially at the professional level, have become excessively commercialized. Do you think there’s a disconnect between the spirit of giving back and the financial aspects of modern sport?
Giulia: It’s a complex issue. professional sports require important investment, and athletes need to be compensated fairly for their dedication and talent. however, it’s important to remember the roots of sport – the passion, camaraderie, and pursuit of excellence. Initiatives like the Capri Lions Club’s gala remind us that sport can still be a powerful force for good.
Moderator: You personally have achieved unbelievable success in judo. What advice would you give to young aspiring athletes who might be facing challenges or feeling discouraged?
Giulia: Stay focused on your goals but remember to enjoy the journey. There will be setbacks and tough days, but passion and perseverance will see you through.Surround yourself with supportive people and never stop learning and evolving.Most importantly, remember that sport teaches valuable life lessons that extend far beyond the medals.
Moderator: Wise words! Giulia Quintavalle, thank you so much for your time and insightful perspective.
Giulia: Thank you for having me!
We’d love to hear from you! What are your thoughts on the role of sport in fostering community spirit and giving back?