A plaque that preserves a history, a name that represents a legacy of values and commitment. The national shooting range of Curcuraci, in Messina, was named on the morning of Saturday 17 October after General Pietro Bonura, who has always been affectionately known to all as “Colonel Bonura”, president and founder of the Peloritana section, protagonist of a path that has contributed to the growth of the association and the spread of the sporting discipline.
The ceremony was attended by his wife Mariagrazia, his daughters Daniela and Gabriella, his grandchildren, numerous friends and admirers, the representative of Ansmes and the delegations of the Tsn sections of Catania, Centuripe and Milazzo. Also present was Professor Giovanni Bonanno, on a day that brought together the world of shooting in the memory of a particularly esteemed figure.
The memory of President Vinci
In his speech, the president of the Tsn of Messina, Augusto Vinci, retraced the human and sporting figure of the late manager, defining him as the “father” of the section. «Bonura – he underlined – was a respectable man, who always put collective interest before personal interest, working with determination to achieve important results for the benefit of the community and shooting enthusiasts. A man who left his mark and who is remembered everywhere for his competence, rectitude and morality. If today the Messina section has all this, it owes it exclusively to him.”
The reasons for the dedication
The reasons for the title express the gratitude of the board of directors and the members for the contribution of the founder: «Profound gratitude for the commitment, passion, determination and love given to the section». Qualities which, as mentioned in the dedication, allowed him to give life to the very range that today bears his name.
For this reason too, the dedication takes on the meaning of a concrete recognition to those who have contributed to building a sporting and associative reality, leaving an important reference for future generations. However, it remains difficult to speak in the past tense of a person whose work continues to be present in the life of the section. The name of Colonel Bonura will in fact continue to accompany the activity of the Curcuraci range, reminding members and visitors of the value of commitment, passion and service to the community.
A tribute that goes beyond personal memory and becomes the shared heritage of the entire Messina shooting community.