Italy’s FISPIC National Judo Team Holds Training Camp in Potenza Ahead of Tbilisi World Championships

Training Schedule and Venue Setup in Potenza

From September 7 to September 10, the Azzurri squad is holding collegial training sessions at the university sports facilities of the Centro Universitario Sportivo (CUS) Basilicata, situated at via dell’Ateneo Lucano 4, as detailed by the Università degli Studi della Basilicata. The four-day camp serves as a technical tune-up before the team departs for the World Championships, scheduled for September 24 to 27 in Tbilisi.

Technical execution on the ground relies on specialized infrastructure. According to the Unibas portal, the Judo Club Potenza provided an official homologated tatami mat measuring approximately 100 square meters. The daily schedule features physical preparation sessions in the morning followed by technical training blocks from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM local time.

Elite Roster and Coaching Staff

The delegation heading the Lucanian training camp features five plurimedagliati athletes accompanied by federal leadership. As reported by regional coverage, the roster includes Dongdong Camanni, Simone Cannizzaro, Valerio Teodori Romano, Eugenia Cespuglio, and Pietro Antonini.

National Technical Director Francesco Faraldo and coach Carlo Scognamiglio lead the athletic preparation, working in close collaboration with Unibas professor Marco Vona. The logistical framework guarantees full accessibility in line with FISPIC and IBSA standards, with the Comitato Italiano Paralimpico (CIP) Basilicata providing dedicated transportation between lodging and athletic venues, accompanied by trained guides.

Community Engagement and Institutional Support

Beyond closed-door training, the camp emphasizes direct outreach to the local community. On September 8 at 4:00 PM, the campus hosted a public event featuring accessible technical demonstrations and direct exchanges between the athletes and local citizens, designed to inspire younger generations toward Paralympic disciplines.

The initiative highlights a broad institutional partnership involving the Basilicata Region, the Municipality of Potenza, the University of Basilicata, and the local CIP office. CIP Basilicata President Gerardo Zandolino noted the strong organizational synergy achieved alongside the ASD Judo Club Potenza and ASD CUS Basilicata, cementing the territory’s role in supporting Paralympic sport.