Sanluri, Sardinia – National Italian badminton athlete Rosario Maddaloni recently visited the Istituto Alberghiero (Hotel Institute) “Padre Colli Vignarelli” in Villamar, a district of Sanluri, to speak with students about the values of sport, legality, and civic responsibility. The visit, which took place on Thursday, March 26th, 2026, aimed to connect the discipline and dedication required in athletics with broader life lessons for students in the third, fourth, and fifth grades.
The initiative, integrated into the school’s civic education curriculum and three-year educational plan (PTOF), provided a unique opportunity for young people to engage with a role model who represents Italy on the international stage. Maddaloni, a member of the Fiamme Oro sports group – the athletic organization representing the Italian State Police – shared his experiences and insights with the students.
The school’s community warmly welcomed the badminton star. Staff members Mattia Mele and Diego Palma, along with school principal Romina Di Nardi, officially greeted Maddaloni and facilitated the event, ensuring the active participation of all support staff, technicians, and collaborators. The enthusiasm from students and faculty alike created a vibrant atmosphere of shared learning.
Beyond the formal discussion, Maddaloni toured the institute’s hospitality facilities, including the welcoming areas, kitchens, and dining rooms – core components of the hotel management program. He also participated in the school’s “Quattro amici al bar” (Four Friends at the Bar) project, which is linked to the “Colazione Inclusiva” (Inclusive Breakfast) initiative. This highlighted the school’s commitment to inclusivity, participation, and valuing each student’s unique contribution.
During the meeting, Maddaloni connected with the students on a personal level, speaking with empathy and authenticity about his journey. He emphasized the importance of sacrifice, passion, and determination in achieving goals, encouraging students to pursue their dreams with courage and self-belief. He urged them to build their futures on the foundations of their passions, facing challenges head-on and trusting in their abilities.
The conversation also touched on the importance of fair play. The school specifically highlighted an example of sportsmanship demonstrated by one of its students during a soccer match, reinforcing the values promoted during Maddaloni’s visit. This concrete example underscored the positive impact of sports on character development.
The visit included a dialogue about the educational value of sport and the role of institutions in supporting athletes and promoting ethical conduct. Yet, Maddaloni learned that the school gymnasium is currently unusable due to technical issues, preventing a practical demonstration of badminton. School administrators, led by Principal Di Nardi, are actively working to resolve the issue and are awaiting responses from relevant authorities to restore the facility’s full functionality. Maddaloni expressed his hope to return in the future to inaugurate the renovated gymnasium and conduct a badminton clinic for the students.
This initiative is part of a broader educational effort to empower young people with a sense of civic responsibility and promote active, engaged citizenship. The presence of an athlete like Rosario Maddaloni left a lasting impression on the school community, demonstrating the power of sport as a tool for personal and collective growth.
For those interested in following Rosario Maddaloni’s career, information can be found through the Italian Badminton Federation and updates on the Fiamme Oro sports group’s activities. The Istituto Alberghiero “Padre Colli Vignarelli” continues to prioritize initiatives that connect classroom learning with real-world experiences and promote the development of well-rounded, responsible citizens.
The school is currently awaiting updates on the gymnasium repairs and plans to announce a timeline for its reopening as soon as information becomes available. Further details regarding future events and initiatives will be posted on the school’s official website: https://www.iissanluri.edu.it/
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