Catanzaro, Italy – The provincial phase of the 2026 *Giochi Sportivi Studenteschi* (Student Games) badminton competition concluded Monday at the Casalinuovo gymnasium, showcasing the growing talent within Calabria’s scholastic sports programs. The event, organized by the regional school office and the provincial FIBa Catanzaro delegation, saw spirited competition across multiple age groups, and disciplines.
The annual tournament, overseen by Professor Elena Cortese of the regional school office and technical director Domenico Saladino of FIBa Catanzaro, featured participation from schools including Casalinuovo of Catanzaro, Ic Sabatini of Borgia, Ardito Don Bosco of Lamezia Terme, and Ic Bianco Sersale-Petronà. Students competed in both 1st category (first-year middle school students) and 2nd category (second and third-year middle school students) divisions, with events in women’s singles, men’s singles, and mixed doubles.
The Ic Bianco Sersale-Petronà school proved particularly dominant, securing victories in both the women’s singles with Viola Spadafora and the men’s singles with Francesco Scalzi (from the Cerva annex). Ardito Don Bosco of Lamezia Terme claimed the top spot in the mixed doubles competition. In the 1st category, Gioia Zipari, Davide Catizzone, and the duo of Dennis Raimondo and Carmen Mazza, all representing Ic Bianco Sersale-Petronà, emerged victorious.
The success of these young athletes wasn’t solely about winning. The competition emphasized the core values of badminton – fair play and enjoyment – as highlighted by the attending physical education teachers: Roberta Chiantor (Ic Sabatini of Borgia), Patrizia Salerno and Carmine Anania (Ic Bianco Sersale-Petronà), and Giuseppe Borrello (Ardito Don Bosco of Lamezia Terme). Their guidance and support fostered a positive sporting environment for all participants.
Badminton’s increasing popularity in Calabria is a noteworthy trend. The sport, often seen as a fast-paced and accessible alternative to more traditional team sports, is attracting a new generation of athletes. The dedication of regional and provincial organizations, like FIBa Catanzaro, is clearly playing a vital role in this growth. For those unfamiliar, badminton requires a unique blend of agility, precision, and strategic thinking, making it a compelling sport for both participants and spectators.
The regional badminton finals are scheduled to take place in Cosenza on April 28th. This next stage of the competition will bring together the top players from across Calabria, providing a platform for these young athletes to further showcase their skills and compete for regional titles. The event promises to be a highlight of the scholastic sports calendar, and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the students, teachers, and organizers involved.
The commitment from figures like Professor Cortese and Domenico Saladino is instrumental in nurturing this talent. Their leadership, combined with the enthusiasm of the students and the support of the schools, is creating a thriving badminton community in Calabria. The focus on sportsmanship, as demonstrated by the players and coaches, is a particularly encouraging sign for the future of the sport.
As these young athletes prepare for the regional finals, the excitement surrounding badminton in Calabria continues to build. The success of the provincial tournament demonstrates the potential for even greater growth in the years to come. The upcoming competition in Cosenza will undoubtedly be a showcase of skill, determination, and the enduring spirit of sportsmanship.
The next confirmed checkpoint for these athletes is the regional finals in Cosenza on April 28th. Stay tuned to Archysport for updates and coverage of the event. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and experiences with scholastic badminton in the comments below.
