Catanzaro, Italy – The provincial phase of the Youth Games badminton competition concluded Monday at the Casalinuovo gymnasium in Catanzaro, showcasing promising young talent from across the province. Organized by the regional school office, led by Professor Elena Cortese, and the provincial FIBa delegation of Catanzaro with technical director Domenico Saladino, the event featured schools from Casalinuovo, Borgia, Lamezia Terme, and Sersale-Petronà. The competition, held for both first and second/third-year middle school students, included singles and mixed doubles matches.
The tournament highlighted the growing popularity of badminton among the younger generation in the region. Schools competing included Casalinuovo di Catanzaro, Ic Sabatini of Borgia, Ardito Don Bosco of Lamezia Terme, and Ic Bianco Sersale-Petronà. The matches were divided into categories for first-year middle school students (1st category) and second/third-year students (2nd category).
In a display of fierce competition, Ic Bianco Sersale-Petronà dominated the individual events. Viola Spadafora secured victory in the women’s singles, while Francesco Scalzi, from the Cerva location of Ic Bianco Sersale-Petronà, triumphed in the men’s singles. Ardito Don Bosco of Lamezia Terme claimed the top spot in the mixed doubles category. For the 1st category, Gioia Zipari and Davide Catizzone, along with the duo of Dennis Raimondo and Carmen Mazza, all representing Ic Bianco Sersale-Petronà, emerged victorious.
The event wasn’t just about winning; it was about fostering sportsmanship. Accompanied by physical education teachers Roberta Chiantor (Borgia), Patrizia Salerno and Carmine Anania (Sersale-Petronà), and Giuseppe Borrello (Lamezia Terme), the young athletes demonstrated the core values of badminton: fair play and enjoyment. The atmosphere was one of spirited competition and mutual respect, emphasizing the positive impact of sports on youth development.
The success of the provincial phase sets the stage for the regional badminton championships, scheduled to take place in Cosenza on April 28th. This next stage of the competition will bring together the top young badminton players from across Calabria, providing them with an opportunity to further showcase their skills and compete for regional honors.
The regional competition represents a significant step for these young athletes, offering a platform to test their abilities against a wider field of competitors. The dedication of the organizing committee, the support of the schools, and the enthusiasm of the participants all contributed to a successful provincial phase, and anticipation is building for the regional championships in Cosenza.
Badminton, while not always in the spotlight alongside more mainstream sports, is clearly gaining traction in Italian schools. Events like the Youth Games provide crucial opportunities for young athletes to discover and develop their passion for the sport. The emphasis on fair play and fun, as highlighted by the organizers, is a testament to the positive values that sports can instill in young people.
The involvement of the regional school office and the FIBa delegation underscores the commitment to promoting sports at the grassroots level. Professor Elena Cortese and Domenico Saladino have played key roles in fostering the growth of badminton in the region, and their efforts are clearly bearing fruit. The dedication of the teachers – Chiantor, Salerno, Anania, and Borrello – is also vital, providing guidance and support to the young athletes.
Looking ahead to the regional championships, the athletes from Catanzaro will be aiming to build on their success at the provincial level. The competition in Cosenza is expected to be fierce, but the young players have demonstrated their talent and determination, and they are well-prepared to represent their schools and province with pride. The event promises to be a thrilling showcase of young badminton talent from across Calabria.
For those following the progress of these young athletes, the regional championships in Cosenza on April 28th will be a key date to mark on the calendar. It’s an opportunity to witness the future stars of Italian badminton as they compete for regional glory. The spirit of sportsmanship and the pursuit of excellence will undoubtedly be on full display.
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