The world of Calabrian volleyball is mourning the passing of Mario Calabrese, for years president of Fipav Cosenza and an essential reference figure for the entire regional sports movement.
During his long managerial experience, Calabrese has been able to combine competence, passion and a rare humanity, building over time a network of relationships based on respect, listening and sharing the authentic values of sport. His commitment has never been limited to administrative or organizational management, but has translated into a constant presence, capable of accompanying clubs, technicians, athletes and managers on a path of collective growth.
His vision of volleyball went beyond competitive results: for Mario Calabrese sport was first and foremost a community, a place of training, an educational and social opportunity. A way of understanding the discipline that has left a deep and lasting mark on Cosenza and Calabrian volleyball, helping to strengthen its identity and sense of belonging.
With his passing, volleyball loses not only an authoritative manager, but a man capable of giving value to people even before roles, to build bridges, to cultivate sincere relationships and to defend the principles of sport with balance and determination.
The emotional embrace of the entire volleyball movement goes to the family of Mario Calabrese and all his loved ones, which today combines institutional pain with the human pain of those who lose a friend, a teacher and a guide.
His example will continue to live on the playing fields, in the clubs and in all the people who had the privilege of knowing him and working alongside him.