Piemontese Athletes Honored at Palazzo Lascaris: From Archery to Pallapugno

On May 29, 2026, the historic Palazzo Lascaris in Turin, Italy, became a stage for celebrating two extraordinary achievements by Piemontese athletes, bridging the worlds of archery and pallapugno. The event, organized by the Piemontese regional government, recognized both the triumphs of the Cortemilia pallapugno team and archer Michea Godano, underscoring the region’s deep sporting heritage and the unifying power of athletic excellence.

The Archery Triumph: Michea Godano’s European Grand Prix Victory

Just days before the ceremony, Michea Godano, a 22-year-old archer from Fossano, made history by securing the team title in the Compound category at the European Grand Prix in Antalya, Turkey. Competing under the Fiamme Gialle (Yellow Flames) team, Godano played a pivotal role in Italy’s narrow 148-147 victory over Turkey in the final. The win marked a significant milestone for Italian archery, which has traditionally been dominated by stronger European powers.

“Michea’s performance was a testament to the dedication of our athletes and the quality of training in Piemonte,” said Franco Graglia, vice president of the Piemontese Regional Council, who presented Godano with a commemorative parchment and the Piemonte regional medal. “His achievement is not just a personal victory but a source of pride for the entire region.”

Godano, who trains at the Fiamme Gialle training center in Rome, was accompanied by his father, Sergio, and Fossano Mayor Michelangelo Pellegrino. The young archer, who began his career at age 14, has quickly risen through the ranks, earning his place on the national team after a string of regional and national tournament wins.

Pallapugno: The Cortemilia Team’s Eighth Scudetto

Minutes after honoring Godano, the ceremony shifted to the traditional Piemontese sport of pallapugno, where the Cortemilia team celebrated its eighth Italian Championship title. The squad, led by captain Massimo Vacchetto, clinched the 2025 title after a thrilling final against Albese, their long-time rivals. The match, held in Canale, drew over 1,000 spectators, with Vacchetto’s victory over his brother Paolo in the playoff final becoming a defining moment.

“Through your commitment and passion, you’ve kept the spirit of ‘balon’ alive,” said regional president Alberto Cirio, referencing the sport’s nickname. “Pallapugno is more than a game—it’s a symbol of Piemonte’s cultural identity, immortalized by writers like Pavese and Fenoglio.”

Vacchetto, 34, now shares the record for most titles with legendary player Augusto Manzo, with only the late Felice Bertola (12 titles) ahead of him. His next goal? “To catch Bertola,” he said, referencing the late icon who remains a benchmark for the sport. The Cortemilia team, known for its disciplined play and tactical precision, has become a model for grassroots development in Piemonte, with several players now coaching local youth programs.

The National Team’s World Championship Win

The event also highlighted the success of the Italian pallapugno national team, which recently claimed the 2026 World Championship (Cijb) in Mendoza, Argentina. The squad, featuring players like Massimo Vacchetto, Paolo Vacchetto, and Enrico Parussa, defeated the Netherlands in the final after a dominant tournament run. The victory reinforced Italy’s status as a powerhouse in the sport, which is played with a leather ball and requires a blend of agility, strategy, and teamwork.

“The World Championship win was a culmination of years of hard work,” said coach Giorgio Vacchetto (no relation to Massimo). “It’s a reminder that even traditional sports can thrive on the global stage with the right support and passion.”

The Role of Palazzo Lascaris in Regional Identity

Palazzo Lascaris, the venue for the ceremony, has long been a symbol of Pi