Folzano, Italy – Students from the “Venturelli” middle school in Gussago delivered impressive results at the inaugural Nuovi Giochi della Gioventù (New Youth Games) badminton championships, held March 18, 2026, at the “Vittorio Mero” arena in Folzano. The competition marked a shift in focus, prioritizing individual merit over team rankings, a change that clearly suited the young athletes from Gussago.
This year’s edition of the Nuovi Giochi della Gioventù introduced a significant change in structure. Previously, victory was awarded to the school as a whole. Now, the competition focuses on recognizing the dedication and performance of each individual athlete. The tournament was divided into two categories: Categoria 1 for first-year students and Categoria 2 for second and third-year students. The Gussago students excelled across multiple disciplines, including men’s singles, women’s singles, and mixed doubles.
In Categoria 1, Carlotta Peroni, Elsa Prandelli, and Luca Lombardi took the top spots. Stefano Mottinelli, Matilde Levi, and the duo of Margot Lancelotti and Luca Dotti secured second place. Lorenzo Gussago rounded out the podium with a third-place finish. Categoria 2 saw Luca Arici claim first place, while Lucrezia Zullo and Alessandro Tomasini finished as runners-up.
The success wasn’t limited to the medalists. Emma Sorrentino, Melissa Micheletti, Leonardo Galli, and Giulia Mazzoldi also participated, demonstrating a high level of skill and contributing to the overall strong showing by the Gussago school. The community highlighted the dedication of approximately fifty students who participated in afternoon training sessions in preparation for the championships.
The preparation wasn’t without its challenges. Mattia Cadeo, Lorenzo Pisoni, Chiara Guarneri, and Leonardo Rizzini, despite their commitment to training, were unable to attend the Folzano competition for various reasons. Their dedication to the team’s preparation was nonetheless acknowledged by the school community.
The event was coordinated by provincial representative Monica Buizza and regional councilor Patrizia Piacentini. The Nuovi Giochi della Gioventù represent a modern approach to youth sports, emphasizing individual achievement and fostering a competitive spirit. For many of these young athletes, this competition was a crucial step in their development, providing valuable experience and recognition.
While Categoria 1’s competition concludes with the provincial stage, the story continues for Luca Arici. As the Categoria 2 champion, Arici will represent Gussago at the regional phase, scheduled for April 23 in Sant’Angelo Lodigiano. This provides a further opportunity for the young athlete to showcase his talent and potentially advance to higher levels of competition.
The shift towards individual recognition in the Nuovi Giochi della Gioventù is a notable trend in youth sports. It acknowledges that success is often built on personal dedication and hard work, and it provides a platform for individual athletes to shine. This approach can be particularly motivating for young people, encouraging them to strive for excellence and take ownership of their athletic development.
The success of the Gussago students is a testament to the quality of sports education and training available in the region. It also highlights the importance of community support in fostering athletic talent. The dedication of the students, coaches, and school officials has created a winning environment that is producing impressive results.
Looking ahead, the regional competition in Sant’Angelo Lodigiano will be a key event for Luca Arici. He will face tough competition from other provincial champions, but his performance at the Folzano championships suggests he is well-prepared for the challenge. The Gussago community will undoubtedly be cheering him on as he represents their school at the regional level.
The Nuovi Giochi della Gioventù, with its emphasis on individual merit, is poised to turn into a significant event in the youth sports calendar. The success of the inaugural edition in Folzano demonstrates the potential of this new format to inspire young athletes and promote a culture of excellence.
For those interested in following Luca Arici’s progress at the regional championships, further updates will be available through official channels as the April 23rd competition approaches. The Gussago school community is eager to witness how their champion performs on the regional stage.
