There were 250 young people from all over Sicily who participated in a party dedicated to sport and game, animating the churchyard of the Cathedral of Palero. A real village of sport organized on the occasion of the celebration of the “80 years of sport and commitment to the service of the Sicilian Community” of the Italian Sports Center – Regional Committee Sicily: a historical goal for the association but also an opportunity for the momentum towards the future. The event was part of the Palermo capital of volunteering. For 80 years, in fact, the CSI has been a living and widespread presence in Sicily: an experience of educational and popular sport that involves young people, coaches, referees, managers, parish priests and educators offering opportunities for growth, meeting, listening and welcome.
The archbishop Corrado Lorefice welcomed all the participants to start the regional Jubilee of the Sport.
After a moment of prayer on the grave of Blessed Pino Puglisi, young people animated the churchyard of the cathedral with races and polysportive activities. In the evening the pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia in Montepellegrino, a sign of faith and tradition deeply rooted in the city.
“Sport elevates the typical wealth of every man and woman – said Archbishop Corrado Lorefice – because, like any art, it is always the voice of the spirit. We want young people to grow in the name of the fullness of life. The game together is the truth of human life because it is a meeting, sharing and ability to measure with the other. The CSI is able to put together many young people in the educational and formative challenge. Outside even more what is the vocation of every human being.
“We are part of the parish of Santa Chiara di Assisi – said the young Palermo volunteer Gabriele Scaravino of 21 years -. As volunteers today we put ourselves at the service of the little ones, enhancing the great gift of being able to have fun together”. “It is the first time that I participated – said Giovanni, 16 years old from Mussomeli – and it is really very nice to be able to meet other young people from other parts of Sicily”. “We accompanied a group of young people from the parish Christ the king of Mussomeli – said Vincenzo Zarbo a young volunteer from Mussomeli, in the province of Caltanissetta -. It is a beautiful day of joy, fun and sharing for everyone”.
“In Sicily we have a very strong numerical presence of young people – said the national president of CSI Vittorio Bosio -. We mean thanks to all the people who, in these 80 years, have made the CSI a significant reality to aggregate and entertain the new generations of our country. Our young people need adults who believe in everything they do, giving their concrete example to demonstrate that you can live a beautiful life also through sport”.
“The mission also in Sicily is to continue to commit with and for young people – continued Salvatore Raffa, CSI Regional President of Sicily – remembering the Christian values that are the roots that have so far consolidated the entire historical path of our association. At a time when Palermo lives the experience of being the capital of volunteering, we wanted to be in this city precisely to celebrate together the great importance that volunteering for all of Sicily has”. After yesterday’s regional conference, held at the Carrozze room of Villa Niscemi, the CSI events will end tomorrow, Sunday 14 September, with the regional council dedicated to planning the new sports season, in the sign of continuity and innovation.