The Italian National Paralympic Judo Team arrived in Potenza to begin a crucial four-day training camp ahead of the upcoming World Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia. Running from September 7 to September 10, 2026, the intensive camp serves as a primary preparation milestone for five decorated national team athletes aiming for international success later this month.
The regional capital of Basilicata is hosting the delegation through a collaborative effort promoted by ASD Judo Club Potenza and ASD CUS Basilicata. The initiative operates in partnership with the Italian Paralympic Sports Federation for the Visually Impaired (FISPIC) and the Italian Paralympic Committee (CIP) of Basilicata, integrated directly within the activities of the MUR Moebius project.
World Championships Preparation Takes Center Stage in Potenza
Training sessions for the national squad are taking place at the university sports center gym of CUS Basilicata, situated at Via dell’Ateneo Lucano 4. The setup features a regulation-approved tatami mat spanning approximately 100 square meters, provided specifically by the Judo Club Potenza. The daily schedule demands rigorous physical preparation sessions in the mornings, followed by technical workouts running from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM local time.
National Technical Director Francesco Faraldo emphasized the strategic importance of the regional gathering while speaking about the team’s progress. According to Faraldo, the squad completed three training sessions by the second day alone, focusing heavily on building collective team identity and camaraderie before heading to the global stage.
“We believe strongly in these retreats to create a group identity: the kids need to be together to form a team,” Faraldo stated, thanking Marco Vona for hosting the team and noting that the World Championships in Georgia represent a foundational objective for the program.
Accessibility, Inclusion, and University Partnership
Beyond competitive readiness, organizers designed the Potenza gathering to merge elite athletic training with broader social and academic values. Marco Vona, delegate for sports activities at the University of Basilicata, highlighted the long-term vision behind bringing the national team to the regional capital.
“We managed to combine what is a priority for us: sport, inclusion, and study,” Vona explained, expressing gratitude to university rector Ignazio Mancini, the CUS president, and FISPIC for their collaborative support. Vona noted that hosting athletes of exceptional sporting and human caliber marks the beginning of a multi-year developmental path for the territory.
The operational framework of the camp guarantees full accessibility for visually impaired athletes in alignment with FISPIC and International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) guidelines. The delegation is housed in central Potenza, with the CIP Basilicata providing dedicated transportation between accommodations, training venues, and official events. Specially trained guides and companions actively monitor all access routes to ensure seamless mobility.
Community Impact and Next Steps for the Italian Squad
Luciano Florio, FISPIC delegate for Basilicata, pointed out the profound social influence the national athletes bring to the local community. By engaging with youth in the region, the visiting judokas serve as powerful role models for blind and visually impaired youth across Basilicata.
“Judo is one of many disciplines managed by FISPIC, alongside showdown, torball, goalball, 5-a-side football, and chess,” Florio noted, emphasizing that sports remain vital for individuals with visual impairments by fostering physical well-being, psychological health, and daily socialization.
Following the conclusion of the training camp on Thursday, September 10, 2026, the Italian delegation will finalize its preparations. The national team will then travel to Tbilisi, Georgia, where they will compete on the international tatami at the World Championships scheduled from September 24 to September 27, 2026.
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