Even before the final touches are complete,including roads adn parking,the new lamezia sports hall is set to host a major event. The city will welcome the 37th Italian Para Archery Championships on January 24-25, 2026, a significant coup for the region’s sports scene.
Spearheading this prestigious event is Asd Aida, an archery club based in Laureana di Borrello.This marks the second time in five years that the club has been entrusted with organizing the national championships, a testament to their proven organizational prowess. In 2021, Asd aida successfully hosted over 60 athletes with disabilities at the PalaPentimele in Reggio Calabria, showcasing their commitment to inclusive sports.
“It is indeed a great honor for us to be able to host the Italian Para Archery Championships once again,” stated Asd Aida President Annalisa Insardà. I thank President Fitarco Vittorio Polidori for his trust and the federal manager Alessandro Albanese for supporting our candidacy. For our association and for the entire Calabrian sports movement, it is indeed a recognition that fills us with pride.
The event is expected to draw top talent, including 2022 world champion and Tokyo Paralympic silver medalist Enza Petrilli. Petrilli, a proud Calabrian athlete and member of the State Police’s Fiamme Oro, will compete against the nation’s elite para-archers and international stars. Her presence alone is a major draw, akin to seeing a hometown hero like Tom Brady return to play in New England.
The organizational team, led by Asd Aida’s team manager Michelangelo Minutoli and his staff, is already hard at work. Their goal is to deliver an event that meets the highest technical and sporting standards. The championships will also serve as a gathering for national and local leaders from Fitarco (the Italian Archery Federation), CONI (Italian National Olympic Commitee), and the Italian Paralympic Committee, highlighting the event’s significance within the Italian sports landscape.
This event underscores the growing importance of para-sports and the dedication of organizations like Asd Aida in providing platforms for elite athletes. The choice of Lamezia Terme, despite its developing infrastructure, signals a confidence in the region’s ability to host significant sporting competitions and a commitment to showcasing the best of Italian para-archery.
Potential Areas for Further Investigation:
- The long-term impact of hosting such a high-profile event on Lamezia Terme’s sports infrastructure and local economy.
- The development of para-archery programs in Calabria and how this event might inspire future participation.
- The specific training and adaptive equipment used by top Italian para-archers like Enza Petrilli, offering insights for aspiring athletes and coaches.
