Greetings from the Authorities 2014

The return of the International Minibasket in Piazza Tournament to our city of Matera is a human, social, and spiritual enrichment for our entire community.
The Church, starting from Saint Paul, the first Christian who spoke about sports, sees sports education as a support for the full realization of the human person according to the spirit of the Gospel, to the universal values of the individual, and to solidarity among men and peoples.
I wish all the boys and young people participating in the tournament to cultivate the concept of friendship, respect for others, and a true sportsmanship spirit, knowing how to respect the rules, banishing all forms of physical and verbal violence, and fighting discrimination and sports disloyalty, to be a seed of hope for a new humanity.
I encourage all the promoters of the tournament to overcome every difficulty, aware, as the French sociologist and anthropologist Marcel Mauss wrote, that sports is “a total social fact”.
Joyful fun.

+Salvatore LIGORIO

“The international event “Minibasket in piazza” has reached its 22nd edition, and undoubtedly this year too it will confirm the public success and the wide participation of young people from all over Europe and other countries of the world, as recorded in past editions and particularly in last year’s event.
The high social, cultural, and educational value of the event, which also takes place close to the celebrations of Matera’s Patron Saint, is unanimously recognized. Such an event, also for this year, will enjoy the High Patronage of the President of the Republic, which, as is known, is granted only to events of high socio-cultural profile.
This annual appointment, therefore, appears fundamental, involving the city of Matera and the Amateur Sports Association “PIELLE Matera”, for the integration among young European citizens and those from extra-European countries. During this joyful and highly valuable sports tournament, there is ample opportunity for the fusion of different cultures and traditions, in a framework rich in history and culture.
Equally significant is the contribution made by the event to the constant effort to spread the culture of legality and respect for rules, which is carried out towards local young people. Therefore, from this perspective as well, it is worthy of appreciation from all the institutions engaged in this educational action for the new generations.”

Luigi PIZZI

“I was deeply struck by the beauty of this event, which goes far beyond the sporting aspect, for the message of friendship and brotherhood it conveys. In a time of crisis of values and great confusion globally, it is heartening to know that a group of people, especially parents, are committed with goodwill to spreading concepts like solidarity and love for others through play. This is a bright signal that, in a landscape often overshadowed by violence, fills the heart with satisfaction and hope.

My thoughts come first and foremost as a parent, even before as a man of institutions. I would like this sentiment to join the certainty of participating in a celebration of colors and joy, gifted by our children. May it paint the sky of Matera with happiness and cheer, giving us unforgettable moments of carefree joy. Best wishes to everyone, and may the best team win on the field!”

“My first “greeting” of this year, in my role as President of the Region, is directed with great pleasure to the numerous young athletes from all over the world, who are called to participate in the twenty-second edition of the International Minibasket Tournament in Piazza in Matera. As a sportsman first and foremost, even before being a representative of the Lucanian Institutions, I have always admired the extraordinary organizational capacity of Pielle, which is the result of a great passion and a deep bond with the territory by those who operate within the sports club in Matera. I am well aware of the logistical challenges involved in organizing an event of this magnitude, as well as the infrastructural difficulties typical of our region, which we are working to remedy despite the difficulties and delays. However, precisely because I am aware of the effort required to illuminate this splendid Lucanian sports showcase, which attracts thousands of people to the City of Stones, including athletes, coaches, and companions, I am even more proud and happy to welcome the numerous boys and their families coming from abroad and from other regions of Italy. This happens on the eve of a historic event for the entire Basilicata region: the appointment of Matera as the Capital of Culture for 2019. I am certain that, thanks also to the positive image return that the International Minibasket Tournament in Piazza has been contributing to for the past 22 years, Matera will have an extra opportunity in the coming months to support its candidacy, thus rewarding the commitment of the entire region. I wish everyone a great tournament, and may the values of sportsmanship, healthy competition, and friendship among peoples triumph.”

Marcello PITTELLA

“The idea of creating a cultural square that serves as a bridge between peoples is fascinating, especially when realized through sports, which provide a common ground enriched by everyone’s diversity. It’s wonderful to see how the Minibasket kids offer Matera a unique opportunity for active citizenship. This tournament is an excellent example of civil coexistence that, in an era of uncertainty, manages to overcome distrust and lack of confidence.

Over these 22 years, Minibasket in Piazza has enriched its challenge thanks to the contribution of thousands of young players who, through sharing a common passion, have learned the value of participation and dialogue. With joy and healthy competition, this event reaffirms the importance of a community that knows no divisions because only together can we always win.”

“This edition of “Minibasket in Piazza” holds special significance as it takes place in the year when the European Capital of Culture for 2019 will be decided. It is an extraordinary opportunity for the hosting community and the hundreds of young athletes from around the world who come to Basilicata and Matera to participate in this unique and touching experience. This event provides an exceptional opportunity for cultural exchange through the healthy values of sports, aligning with Matera’s path towards candidacy as the European Capital of Culture for 2019. The involvement of children, cultural exchange, and stays with Lucanian families enrich our community and serve as an original way to bring a bit of Europe to Basilicata and vice versa. Matera, the city of hospitality, will surely remain in the memories of the participating children, becoming ambassadors of peace and sports in the world. With this hope, I wish all participants, athletes, officials, and accompanying persons a pleasant stay in Matera.“

Salvatore ADDUCE

This year as well, I have the honor of conveying greetings from the City Council of Matera and my own to the young athletes coming from all over the world participating in the 22nd edition of the “Minibasket in Piazza” event, organized with great dedication by Pielle Basket, and to all the families in Matera who, by hosting these youngsters, make this event possible.

This event has become a regular appointment for our city, demonstrating that the culture of hospitality, brotherhood, and solidarity is not just a concept here, but a tangible practice.

We eagerly await the beginning of the event, during which the city will be filled with colors and joy.

Brunella MASSENZIO

“We are all Pielle Matera!”

Using a slogan to express succinctly and affectionately the joy and esteem for an event that not only lasts for twenty years but also continues to provide new points of interest. The games take place in Matera, in the fullest sense of the term: in the city, in the squares, among the people, with the merchants who adopt and pamper the children coming not only from all over Italy but also from abroad. The city gathers around the Tournament; the Tournament is the city. Competition and sociability intertwine to allow the children to find new ways of communicating through basketball, more than just a game but an educational tool. Does the best team win? No, in Matera, everyone wins just by participating.”

Giovanni PETRUCCI

“Playing in the square is one of the most evocative images and at the same time one of the most effective promotional vehicles. And if that square is adorned with the flags of nations from around the world, then that place becomes an unparalleled showcase that exalts the values of Motor Education, understood not only as physical activity and fundamental support for the growth of young people, but above all as a means of integration, mutual respect, and socialization. Minibasket in Piazza has been offering these emotions for 22 years, transforming the City of Sassi into the World Capital of our sports game, a Babylon of noisy and amused languages ​​that, despite their differences, equalize in a great harmony of sounds and gestures. A heartfelt thanks to Sergio Galante, the authentic engine of the event, and to all the collaborators of Pielle Matera because managing to organize this magnificent tournament is an authentic feat that is renewed every year. A greeting and the classic good luck to all the participants, knowing that having fun will be as important as playing. A special greeting to the young athletes coming from other nations and continents; I am sure that when they return home, they will carry in their hearts the beauties of the city and our country, as well as the pleasure of new friendships.”

Eugenio CROTTI

“My thanks, on behalf of the sports community of Basilicata which I represent as Regional President of CONI, go to the organizers, the young athletes, the volunteers who work hard for the success of the event, and to the spectators who will color this manifestation that Pielle Matera has organized for the twenty-second time. Indeed, many are the editions that this extraordinary event has seen, a testament to the seriousness of a Sports Association that sees sports as a moment of socio-cultural growth to be made available to its community. A unique event, with noble social implications, that exalts the true values ​​that we want and must bring out through sports. Solidarity, brotherhood, and intercultural exchange facilitated by the diverse origins of the participating teams will have consequences and implications that the children will hardly forget. In this period, there is much talk about integration, a phenomenon that looks at equality of rights, equal dignity among peoples and individuals. Well, this is a sporting event in which integration is exalted and becomes an example to imitate and pursue. This thought of mine aims to be the most straightforward way to contribute to this beautiful, rooted, and unique initiative in which I am honored to participate. I wish the organizers not to lose this enthusiasm and I ask everyone to support them, even just by being present because only in this way can we aspire to be involved in building a better society. Best wishes to all and have fun!”.

LEOPOLDO Desiderio

“A warm greeting to all the children who will participate in Matera from June 23rd to 28th, 2014, in the XXII edition of the International Tournament “Minibasket in Piazza”: an event that represents the pride of all basketball in Basilicata and that manages every year to combine the international sports and competitive aspect with a social and cultural experience of the highest level. Certainly, on this occasion too, the unparalleled commitment of Pielle Matera and the Organizing Committee of the event will receive the right and well-deserved recognition represented by the participation in “Minibasket in Piazza” of a numerous and passionate audience. Enjoy your stay in Matera!”

Giovanni LA MORTE

“It is truly an extraordinary emotion for me to extend the greetings of the City of Corato to all the participants in the 22nd edition of the International Tournament “Minibasket in Piazza – Trofeo Carmine Nuzzaci”. An event that has grown over the years, creating new stimuli for the organizers and opportunities for coaches and young basketball players to interact. Having a long experience in competitive sports, I am well aware that these types of events amplify the passion for sports, a formidable tool for dialogue and communication aimed at transmitting the noblest values of life to our children, fostering sharing and friendship. It is a great celebration for our minibasket, a week dedicated to basketball, during which these children will certainly involve us and make us share in their efforts and joys, with the hope that there will be many joys that will accompany them, not only in this tournament, but above all in the course of their lives. I thank the organizers, young people driven by great desire and passion, who dedicate their sporting commitment to such young children; I also thank the parents, who even in such a difficult situation, grappling with the many daily difficulties, understand how important it is to follow and support their children in these small “challenges”. Beyond words, there are the emotions that the children will know how to convey with their sincerity and spontaneity. Regardless of the result on the scoreboard, my hope is that for everyone this will be an important experience of sports, aggregation, and sharing, leaving in each one a significant seed of friendship. I am convinced, moreover, that this intense sports experience contributes to strengthening both the spirit and character because, after all, we all need athletes who know how to score in life as well.“

Massimo MAZZILLI

“With great satisfaction, we are preparing to welcome for the first time in our city and in the Province of Taranto the twenty-second edition of the international tournament “Minibasket in Piazza.” Sport offers young people the opportunity to express themselves in a “different” language that allows them to communicate with the world and to fulfill themselves. But sport is also the desire to be together, to celebrate in friendship, to break down barriers. Hundreds of kids running after a basketball, joyful, festive, colorful. This is how Laterza imagines experiencing this wonderful experience for the first time, infected by the enthusiasm and love of these kids for basketball. On behalf of myself and the entire Administration, I would like to thank the organizers of this event and all the educators and families who daily transmit to our young people the love for sport as a tool for fun but also for growth and development.”

Gianfranco LOPANE

“Welcome to Bitritto! Dobrodoli u Bitritto!
I express, on behalf of the entire Municipal Administration and the entire community, the pride of hosting once again in Bitritto, for the fifth year, the “Minibasket in Piazza” event: many children from every continent, who in front of a hoop and the small basketball that manages to unite the world every year, become protagonists of a great atmosphere of celebration, healthy and exciting sports competition, interpersonal and intercultural exchange. What a great opportunity for the adults of tomorrow to become ambassadors of peace and sport!
I am confident that once again this year, “Minibasket in Piazza” will be able to involve our entire community and gather it in the square, the symbolic place of every municipality, where it will warmly welcome the young basketball players of Pol. Basket Bitritto, to whose instructors and organizers my applause goes for the splendid work done, especially those from Serbia and Bosnia.

Bitritto is also ready to become a square of the world! Good tournament to everyone!“

Pino GIULITTO

“During childhood and youth, sports practice offers an excellent opportunity to learn and develop skills that can improve physical fitness and health throughout life. Furthermore, the early acquisition of basic skills is essential to help young people better exercise and understand the value of sports.

Sports practice, however, goes beyond just exercising skills and has a recreational function; it also allows individuals to deeply understand principles and concepts such as “rules of the game,” fair play and respect, tactical and body awareness, and to develop social awareness related to personal interaction and teamwork.

Moreover, the social value of sports has been reiterated in various documents by the European Commission. The international nature of this event also reinforces the concrete practice of solidarity among peoples and peace.

The city is grateful to the organizers for this opportunity for growth that is offered to them. Good practice to everyone.”

Vito Domenico LIONETTI

“A special greeting on behalf of the municipal administration to all the organizers who, every year with great commitment, arrange this international event, to the directors of all the sports clubs, but above all to the children who will participate in the 22nd edition of the “Minibasket in Piazza 2014″ International Tournament. We are honored to host in Toritto for the second consecutive year such an important youth event that brings together different cultures and languages in a context of growth and joy. A special thanks to the President of AGSD Toritto, Franco Panzarino, to the managers Franco Cirillo, Leo Carlucci, Domenico Modugno, and their respective wives, to all the parents. I greet you and wish you all a GOOD TOURNAMENT.”

Dionisio ROTUNNO

“Minibasket in Piazza” may be “Mini” only in terms of the age of the children participating, but it is an event of great cultural significance, through which our city will once again experience strong emotions. Once again, it will be an important appointment for everyone, as it has been in previous editions, thanks to the joyful and extraordinary participation of children from different parts of the world, who will compete for “the primacy” solely around the basketball. They are unconcerned about ethnic, political, economic, religious, and other differences. Strange, really strange world: one ball to be fraternally happy; on the profound meaning of this initiative, we all have much to reflect and learn at all levels. If this tournament, which animates our city life at the beginning of summer, has been seen in this light in recent years, I believe that it is “Mini” only in terms of the age of the participants. However, in terms of values, it is immense! To the capable and visionary organizers, sincere thanks on behalf of the community and personally from me; to all the children, whether Italian or foreign, my affectionate embrace.

Massimiliano PADULA

“Yes, let’s start with the children for a world of peace and solidarity.
Once again, from “Murgiabasket in Piazza”, to embrace peoples and cultures that want to meet and live without conflicts and suspicions.
Thanks to the organizers for the wonderful event. Thanks again!
I greet each and every one of you on behalf of my city. A heartfelt thank you to you all! I know how much effort and sacrifice it takes to ensure everything goes smoothly. I understand the difficulties you face. But I also know that the smiles of the children, along with the spirit of brotherhood they generate, repay you for your hard work! Thank you. You are the best part of our community.
Welcome to all the young athletes.
These are precious days, dear children, that you will not easily forget. These are the days of friendships that you will carry with you forever in your hearts. Treasure every moment of loyalty and altruism that your educators teach you, even in competition. May these noble values always accompany you along life’s journey.
Welcome to the hospitable and welcoming city of Santeramo. Welcome to the city that makes you feel not like strangers, but like friends’ homes.
Welcome to everyone, and when you return to your families in your distant countries, bring the greetings of Italy and the citizens of Santeramo, and above all, our open hand of peace.“
Ciao

Michele D’AMBROSIO