From the Italian Championship of 2023 to the Italian Cup of the following year, to the Champions League scheduled in Messina in 2026. A total escalation that of Balilla football in the city that from 6 to 8 February, at Palascifina, will host the most important world competition promoted by International Table Soccer Federation (ITSF) chaired by Farid Lounas, also present at the Flag hall.
«The hospitality of the Municipality of Messina – says the president of the Italian Federation Francesco Bonanno – It was extraordinary, with a totally inclusive welcome and approach that made me feel at home. After the Italian championships, the mayor asked us to organize something international and then I contacted the federation that accepted my request, so much so that today we are here with one of the most important stages worldwide. The movement of Balilla football is constantly growing, with 60 countries in the world who practice it: we are working hard for the Paralympic activities to bring it to the five continents and present the project to insert the new sport to the Paralympics “.
The Champions League will bring hundreds of professional athletes from all over the world to the Strict to the Strait, consolidating the role of Messina in major events: «After the two events organized very well with the contribution of our expert Francesco Giorgio, who is part of the Paralympic committee – says Councilor Finocchiaro – We confronted each other with President Bonanno because we wanted more. We came into contact with Farid Loudes and they believed that we could be welcoming both as a city and sports facility, because Palascifina lends itself to such events and as an organization “.
The arrival of the Champions League of Calcio Balilla in Messina is the result of the synergy between the international federation, the municipal administration and the Mediterranean event, which has supported and promoted from the beginning the candidacy of Messina: «A bet born with the Paralympic national championship – Remember Alfredo Finance, pResident of the Association – which had involved over 100 athletes from all over Italy. Today this international event will bring the best 400 in the world to Messina: a great result is from a sporting point of view, because there will be athletes of the highest level, and tourist, considering that these people will stop in the city for at least four days. Our goal is to extend their stay for at least a week, so that they can also know our wonderful Messina “.