The “Giovanni XXIII” Sports Center was filled yesterday with memories, smiles and emotion on the occasion of the first Memorial dedicated to Giovanni Paolo Barberaa boy who, with his energy and passion for football, left an indelible mark on the lives of those who knew him. The event, created to celebrate his memory, transformed pain into solidarity, uniting friends, family and supporters in an evening that put hope and research at the centre. The tournament saw an extraordinary participation, accompanied by spontaneous donations.
All funds raised will be donated to the “Orchestra per la Vita” and “Mc4 in corsa per la vita” associations, involved in the fight against epithelioid sarcoma, the disease that broke Giovannino’s smile too soon. “I don’t want this disease to take away any more lives,” he declared forcefully Grazia Murabito, mother of Giovanni, who since the tragic event has dedicated all his energy to raising public awareness and supporting research.
«Investing in science is fundamental. It is the only way to stop this evil and give concrete hope to those who suffer from it. John would have wanted it that way.” On the field, emotions got the better of every competition. Four teams competed in the name of friendship and memory: classmates from Maurolico high school, Giovanni’s five-a-side football team, his friends from the University and the historic group of lifelong friends. Everyone brought with them not only the desire to play, but the desire to pay homage to a boy who was able to inspire with his smile and his generosity. Fabrizio Mondello remembered his friend Giovanni, a cheerful boy, a sincere person, a brother to him. «He was a special person, always ready to give a smile to everyone. There wasn’t anyone who didn’t love him. Organizing this tournament on the football field that saw us play since time immemorial, the place he loved most, was the best way to honor him.”
Among the most touching testimonies was that of Valentina Mondello, Giovanni’s girlfriendwho shared a personal memory full of sweetness. «Even in the most difficult moments, when he was ill, Giovanni dreamed of playing again. I remember one afternoon when he told me he couldn’t wait to set foot on the pitch again. He never abandoned that dream, and today we made it come true for him.” The first “Giovanni Paolo Barbera Memorial” was more than a sporting event. It was a collective gesture of love and solidarity, a demonstration that the memory of Giovanni lives in the hearts of those who knew him. The commitment to support research on epithelioid sarcoma represents hope for the future, a promise that the fight against this disease will continue. When the lights on the pitch went out, after broadcasting a video in memory of Giovanni while he played football, the message was clear: he was still there, in the smiles of his friends, in the shared memories and in the strength of those who chose to don’t give up.