On March 3rd, the Club House of I.I.S. Pacinotti-Archimede hosted a special rowing edition of “Pianeta Olimpia: The Values of Sport Told by Champions.” Organized by the Panathlon Club Junior Roma, this initiative aims to promote sports culture and ethics among young people. The event was supported by the Italian Naval League and the Lazio Regional Committee of the Italian Rowing Federation.
During the event, Olympic bronze medalist Giovanni Abagnale (Marina Militare) and promising athletes Sofia Ascalone (RCC Tevere Remo), Angelica Erpini (CC Aniene), Matilde Paoletti (CC Roma), and Giorgia Sciattella (Marina Militare) shared their personal experiences and reflections with about 100 students from the sports high school in Rome.
Key Discussions and Athletes’ Testimonies
The debate, moderated by Lorenzo D’Ilario, President of Panathlon Club Junior Roma, also featured interventions from Massimo Iaccarini, President of the Lazio Rowing Federation, and Roberta Bedin, instructor from the Italian Naval League. Hosting the event were the school’s principal, Prof. Chiara Sicoli, and Prof. Paolo Cambone.
The discussion revolved around crucial themes such as time management, the sacrifices required to achieve goals, the importance of teamwork, environmental awareness, and balancing sports with academics. The participating athletes, including the Olympic bronze medalist and four young rowers who have already achieved significant results, are part of the observation group for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics with a long-term vision towards Brisbane 2032.
Highlight on RAEX – Rowing Against Exclusion
A key contribution came from Roberta Bedin, a valuable collaborator of the RAEX – Rowing Against Exclusion project. She emphasized the role of the Italian Naval League in promoting rowing as an inclusive sport. The Italian Naval League’s sports groups, affiliated with the Italian Rowing Federation, operate nationwide, with Pomezia soon joining as an official section.
In 2023, the League organized both the World and National Championships for the Beach Sprint discipline of coastal rowing in Barletta and Salerno, respectively. Looking ahead, Taranto will host the third stage of the Filippi Beach Sprint Trophy from May 23-25, 2025. Moreover, the League’s four National Nautical Centers (Belluno, Sabaudia, Taranto, and Ferrara) offer summer courses in rowing, sailing, and canoeing, engaging youth aged 8-15 in water sports in a fun and safe environment.
In line with RAEX’s mission, the Italian Naval League upholds fundamental values of social inclusion. The Pomezia section, a strong advocate of this cause, has recently joined the European RAEX Project, reinforcing the commitment to using rowing as a tool to combat social exclusion and provide equal opportunities for all.
Encouraging Young Athletes
Massimo Iaccarini, President of FIC Lazio, expressed his appreciation for the event and encouraged young students to take up rowing, emphasizing its developmental and career opportunities. Similarly, the participating athletes shared their inspiring journeys, highlighting the mental and physical challenges of the sport and how it has shaped them both personally and professionally.
The event successfully underscored the importance of rowing as a discipline that fosters resilience, ambition, teamwork, and social inclusion—values that align perfectly with RAEX’s mission. Through initiatives like this, rowing continues to be a powerful tool for education, personal growth, and breaking down barriers in society.
Read the post on Italian Rowing Federation website
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