The University Sports Citadel hosted the inaugural ceremony of the fourth edition of the Unimegames, an interdepartmental sports event, organized by the Peloritano University in collaboration and on the proposal of the incubator of “growing” ideas. The event dedicated to student involvement and healthy sports and inclusive competition will last until the evening of Sunday 5 October. On Sunday, moreover, the second UNIME RUN will be held, a running race that will involve both university students and citizenship along a route on via Garibaldi, starting from Piazza Cairoli.
As many as 251 teams of the 12 departments (Biomorf, Chibibaram, Cospecs, Dicam, Dimed, Economy, Jurisprudence, Engineering, Mift, Human Patology of Adults and the Evolutionary Age “Gaetano Barresi”, Scipog, Vet), in addition to the ‘canonical’ sports of the event (football, basketball, volleyball, tennis, swimming and podding race). Six athletics tests – 100 meters, 400 meters, relay 4 × 100 relay, leap high, long jump and launch of the weight – which debut this year at the games and will also be held at the Cappuccini field will also face. In addition, the Try This Ability Program once again took place within the Unimegames (with archery tests, Balilla Calcio, Fillendino and an experience of daily life with sensory deprivation), placing the light on the combination of inclusion, disability and entertainment, making the experience not only sporty, but also cultural and social.
The ceremony, coordinated by the University contact person for Unime Games, Prof. Graziella Scandurra, took part in the vicar proreor, prof. Giuseppe Giordano, the proreor to the right to study, prof. Antonino Germanà, the member of the Board of Directors of the SSD Unime, lawyer. Alessandra Crinò and the mayor of Messina, dr. Federico Basile. Among others, Cristina Cutnti (president of the Sicily Regional Committee of the Italian Basketball Federation – FIP), Silvia Bosurgi (former SSD Unime President and Olympic medalist), Luca Famà and Abdul Raouf Mastan (representing the incubator of ideas “Crescendo”), representatives of ATM, AMAM, Avis and Messina Social City, were present.
“Today today – said Prof. Giordano – an important and significant competition in an era marked by tragedies, wars, genocides. Once again, Unime has shown that it is able to unite this beautiful youth, made up of boys from the most disparate peoples, in the name of the sport values and to give a signal of hope in this world that, however, seems to be going to the Scatafascio”.
“For the fourth year – added Prof. Germanà – the sports citadel hosts the Unimegames, the most effective testimony of how sport can be an integral part of an university. It is really nice to see students of various nations gathered together, in the presence of teachers and exponents of the academic community, to face three days in the name of healthy competition”.
“We will live – commented Prof. Scandurra – Three intense days between sport, inclusion and, above all, sharing. Thanks to the precious support of the Municipality of Messina, this year we managed to introduce the disciplines of athletics that, starting tomorrow, will be played at the Cappuccini field. From ano in year the numbers continue to grow; this year we have about 800 members who do not see each other at stake and have fun.”
The participants will compete in the Departmental Teams with Mixed teams. The respective gold, silver and bronze medals will be assigned to all the first, second and third classified of each sport. The “weight” of the medals will be as follows: 3 gold points, 2 silver points, 1 bronze point. The beating heart of the event will remain the sport, but the spotlight will also be rekindled again on one sustainable one: thanks to the participation and enthusiasm of the students, AMAM (southern waters Messina company) supports the initiative by granting, at the sports citadel, a drinking water dispenser, which will allow to reduce the use of the disposable bottles.
After the closing ceremony at the Amphitheater of the Sports Citadel, with the awarding of the podium departments, a party with DJ-set will follow.
Numerous partners of the event: AMAM, A Run City, Asd Messina Archery Team, ASD Polisportiva Contesse, ATM, Avis, Bernava, Cartoleria Prinzi, Tennis and Sailing Club, Digital Hub connections, Fidal, Fontalba, Global Social Inclusive ASD, Like Sport, Mediterranean ASD events, Irrera Pastry 1910, Panathlon, Universome.
Unimegames 2025: A Festivity of Sport, Inclusion, and University Spirit
The fourth edition of the Unimegames, a vibrant interdepartmental sports festival at the university of Messina, has kicked off, promising a weekend of athletic competition, inclusivity, and community spirit. this year’s event, running until October 5th, builds upon the success of previous years, fostering healthy competition and camaraderie among students from various departments.
Key Highlights & Statistics
| Feature | Details | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Participating Departments | 12 departments (Biomorf, Chibibaram, Cospecs, Dicam, Dimed, Economy, Jurisprudence, engineering, Mift, Human Patology, Scipog, Vet) | Represents the diverse academic landscape of the university and fosters interdisciplinary connections. |
| Teams Registered | 251 teams participated | Demonstrates meaningful student engagement and enthusiasm for the event. |
| Athletics Debut | Six Track and Field Events (100m, 400m, 4x100m Relay, High Jump, Long Jump, Shot Put) | Expansion of the event, offering new competitive opportunities and diversifying the sporting experiences. |
| Inclusive Activities | Try This Ability Program (archery, Balilla Calcio, Fillendino, sensory deprivation experience) | highlights the Unimegames’ dedication to inclusivity, promoting accessibility and awareness of diverse abilities. |
| Sustainability Initiative | Water dispensers provided by AMAM | Reduces the use of disposable water bottles, promoting environmental obligation amongst participants and attendees. |
| Number of Participants | Approximately 800 members | Reflects the continued growth and popularity, solidifying the Unimegames as a cornerstone of the university’s extracurricular. |
| Key Participants | Prof. Giuseppe Giordano, prof. Antonino Germanà, Prof. Graziella Scandurra, Mayor of Messina Federico Basile | Demonstrates support from university leadership and local community, underscoring the event’s significance. |
A Focus on Inclusivity and Community
The Unimegames goes beyond just sporting events. The inclusion of the “Try This Ability Program” showcasing Archery tests, Balilla Calcio, and the promotion of awareness within the framework of daily life with sensory deprivation, highlights the university’s strong commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. The event offers a platform for all students, nonetheless of their abilities, to participate and experience the joy of competition and camaraderie.
The participation of AMAM in the initiative provides water dispensers at the sports citadel, which underlines the Unimegames’ dedication to promote sustainability and minimize the usage of disposable bottles.
Sustainability at the Forefront
Echoing the global need for eco-consciousness, the Unimegames is committed to minimizing its environmental footprint. A significant step in this direction is the partnership with AMAM (the water company) providing water dispensers, thereby reducing the reliance on single-use plastic bottles. This initiative reflects the university’s commitment to sustainability and sets a positive example for the student body.
The Spirit of Competition and Beyond
The Unimegames is not merely a series of contests; it’s a celebration of university life. It creates an environment where students from various departments, with teams of mixed groups, come together to compete and build lasting memories. The awarding of medals to the top three in each sport, followed by a celebratory closing ceremony and DJ set.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the Unimegames?
A: The Unimegames is an interdepartmental sports event hosted annually by the University of Messina, focused on student involvement, healthy competition, and inclusivity.
Q: Where and when is the Unimegames held?
A: The Unimegames 2025 is taking place at the University sports citadel and Cappuccini field, running until October 5th, 2025.
Q: What sports are included in the Unimegames?
A: The event featured customary sports like football, basketball, volleyball, tennis, and swimming, alongside with athletics (100m, 400m, 4x100m relay, high jump, long jump and shot put). It also features inclusive activities through the Try This Ability Program.
Q: How many teams and students participate?
A: This year, there are 251 teams registered and approximately 800 members are expected to participate in the games.
Q: What makes the Unimegames unique?
A: The Unimegames distinguishes itself through its commitment to inclusivity, with the “try This Ability Program,” to the active promotion of sustainability through its partnership with AMAM to reduce the use of disposable bottles. The interdepartmental nature of the games also fosters a strong sense of community and cross-disciplinary interaction.
Q: Who is involved in organizing the Unimegames?
A: The Unimegames is organized by the Peloritano University, the “growing” ideas incubator, and supported by various university officials, local government representatives, and prominent figures from the sports and community sectors (including the mayor of Messina).
Q: How does the Unimegames promote sustainability?
A: Through its partnership with AMAM, the Unimegames provides drinking water dispensers to reduce the use of single-use plastic bottles, promoting environmental responsibility among students and attendees.
Q: Are there any special events happening alongside the sports competitions?
A: Yes, the second UNIME RUN is held on Sunday 5 October. There will also be an award ceremony and a concluding party with a DJ set.
