Greetings from the Authorities 2015

“Since childhood, we are encouraged to engage in various sports disciplines. Sport has always promoted those fundamental values ​​that characterize the establishment of a true humanity, with friendship, sharing, and solidarity as top priorities. As Saint John Paul II would say, ‘sport has developed as one of the typical phenomena of modernity, almost a ‘sign of the times’ capable of interpreting new needs and expectations of humanity’ (The Jubilee of Sportspeople, in: ‘Teachings’ XXIII, 2 (2000), p. 729). Never before has sport captured global attention as it does today, serving as a sanctuary for the vulnerable and uniting everyone (creating bridges of humanity: the initiative of Minibasket held in Matera for years confirms this); as a place where fraternity among different worlds transcends nationality, language, color, and religion; as a place of solidarity that helps overcome all forms of prejudice; as a place where respect and responsibility come before competitiveness, and victory at all costs. Borrowing another phrase from Saint John Paul II in 1986: it seems to express very well your gathering in Matera in the year when it bears the responsibility of being the European Capital of Culture: ‘Your presence here, from many countries, is an eloquent symbol of the power of unity that sport possesses. It brings people together. Competition among athletes is a universal language that immediately transcends national borders, race, or political persuasion.’ I wish you all to feel part of this humanity that intends to build bridges against the logic of exclusion, division, and distinctions. Your presence guarantees that barriers and walls will be prevented. You are an integral part of the civilization of love. I embrace and bless you.”.

† ANTONIO GIUSEPPE Caiazzo

“It is truly a great pleasure to greet the start of the XXVII edition of “Minibasket in Piazza”. An event that has now become one of the most significant appointments in the city of Matera, welcoming the bustling “festival” where children become the protagonists and are entrusted with the keys to the city. It’s a moment that confirms the natural inclination of the people of Matera towards hospitality and openness to social interaction in the spirit of genuine friendship. I am certain that this year too, the city will come together around its young guests during an extraordinary week of joy, fun, and healthy sports activities. The largest international youth basketball event returns each year to its most worthy setting: Matera, the European Capital of Culture, is ready to welcome the wave of enthusiasm and genuineness of its young athletes, ensuring them all the hospitality and passion it has to offer. I’d like to emphasize how “Minibasket in Piazza” aims to affirm, through sport, universal values such as solidarity, brotherhood, unity, and friendship among peoples, values ​​that have always been part of Matera’s DNA and blend well with the ideals of an event rooted in loyalty, fairness, and respect for the opponent. On these foundations and with the hope of the best success for the event about to begin, I extend the warmest welcome to our young guests and express my personal appreciation to the organizers of this prestigious event for their commitment to the timely organization of every detail, along with the warmest wishes of good luck. The intercontinental dimension now achieved by the “Minibasket in Piazza” tournament finds perfect correspondence this year with the extraordinary international dimension experienced by Matera and Basilicata.”

DEMETRIO Martino

!In line with the beautiful and well-established tradition, this year too the State Police supports and encourages the international event “Minibasket in Piazza” with its patronage, believing that it, besides being a source of “clean” fun, fosters the individual and collective growth and development of the young generations taking part in it, in the sacred values of sport that in athletic competition are made of commitment, teamwork, loyalty, and respect for the opponent. Moreover, the meeting between young athletes from many countries, coming from four continents, becomes a significant opportunity for exchange and social interaction, a moment of aggregation useful for facilitating mutual understanding and breaking down barriers, for cementing friendship among peoples, and affirming the supreme good of peace. So, welcome to all the boys and girls who will be in Matera for a week to compete in the basketball tournament in the evocative setting of Piazza Vittorio Veneto. Together, I am sure, they will contribute to the victory of enthusiasm, joy, and friendship above all. I look forward to seeing you all for a guided tour at the Police Headquarters..

LUIGI Liguori

The relationship between the city of Matera and sports has always been deep and passionate. Sport is an expression of culture, education, and socialization within a community, and it highlights its values. The bond between Matera and basketball has ancient roots. In the 1940s, a sports association was formed, named Polisportiva Giuseppe Padula, in memory of an athlete who fell in war on the Greek front. In the 1950s, the torch was passed to Olimpia Basket, which, since its inception, has always paid great attention to the training of young players. On that foundation of sports volunteering and competitive commitment, entire generations of young people from Matera have grown, keeping alive the presence of this beloved sport. “Minibasket in Piazza,” now an event of great international relevance thanks to the dedication of its organizers, to whom the city is grateful, fits into this tradition.To the child ren, their families, the leaders of the sports associations participating in the tournament, and all sports enthusiasts who will follow it, I extend my warm greetings on behalf of the city.

RAFFAELLO de Ruggieri

This year, as in all the years leading up to Matera’s candidacy as European Capital of Culture and those immediately following the awarding of the title, the support of the Matera Basilicata 2019 Foundation for the Polisportiva Dilettantistica Pielle Matera Association, organizer of the 27th edition of Mini Basketball in the square, could not be lacking. This is particularly significant as it coincides with Matera’s tenure as European Capital of Culture. The Mini Basketball in the square event perfectly aligns with the values and themes of our dossier, and for this reason, this special edition has been included in the official Matera 2019 program, with all the attendant benefits in terms of visibility and content. Sport, akin to music, serves as a significant catalyst for social cohesion, which is one of the central themes of our program. Consequently, through the collaboration of Luca Corsolini, a stalwart figure in Italian sports journalism, we have crafted a specific program called “Sport Tales,” encompassing numerous initiatives, some already realized and others in progress. Among the primary initiatives is the establishment of a dedicated sports library, the Italian Sports Hall of Fame, and performances centered on sports themes such as “New York Marathon” with Fiona May and “Roger” with Emilio Solfrizzi. These are just a few examples of the activities we have dedicated to sports, with many more to come. However, Mini Basketball in the square is a project that extends beyond the realm of competitive sports and the associated values. It is something more because it involves 56 teams from across Europe and the world in this special edition. It is something more because its protagonists are children, from whom there is always much to learn. Moreover, it is something more because at the heart of this program lies the sharing of an important educational journey. These young athletes come to Matera and live with their Materan friends in their homes, becoming temporary residents. We believe this practice is worthy of appreciation because such experiences serve as the best antidote to ignorance and social degradation, fostering a culture of hospitality and inclusion. This model underpins our artistic residencies and the engagement of temporary citizens. To underscore the significance of this experience, among the many initiatives in support of Mini Basketball in the square, we have decided to gift all participants with “temponaut” goggles. This small symbolic gesture signifies the joy and fun of becoming temporary citizens of Matera, not only in this special edition but also in the years to come.

SALVATORE Adduce
President of the Fondazione Matera Basilicata 2019

PAOLO Verri
General Manager of Fondazione Matera Basilicata 2019

“Matera isn’t just the European Capital of Culture, but also of mini-basketball. 2019 will be a year to remember, one that will make history for a city, a region, a country. The 27th edition of the “Mini Basketball in the Square” event, featuring young athletes from four continents, will be an occasion to witness a wholesome multicultural invasion in the name of sport and its values. Engaging in sports is engaging in life, in everyday culture because through sports, one can educate. Sporting culture is nothing but a collection of recognized values: social integration, teamwork spirit, respect for the opponent, sacrifice, loyalty. These young athletes, driven by their passion for basketball, will compete for the title of top team, but above all, they will have the great opportunity to share moments of play, leisure, and friendship both on and off the open-air courts. A basket to remember for a lifetime because the future lies in the hands of these young athletes who, with their enthusiasm and desire to play, represent an extraordinary resource upon which to build tomorrow. The symbolic handing over of the keys to the City of Stones is not a gesture unto itself but a conscious act because, as Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, “The moral test of a society is how it treats its children.” Special applause, therefore, goes to A.P.D. Pielle Matera and the local institutions that have contributed over the years to building an event that is not only sports-oriented but also of great moral value, of which we should be proud. Long live sports!”

GIOVANNI Malagò

“The magic of Matera has always involved the “Mini Basketball in the Square” Tournament, now in its twenty-seventh edition. Around a thousand young basketball players from the Aquilotti category participate in this event, which spans seven intense days of activities in the heart of Matera and its surrounding municipalities. Teams come from all over Italy, as well as from North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia, with a record-breaking nineteen teams from Jordan. The young athletes are warmly welcomed and hosted by the Materans, fostering a fruitful dialogue between different generations and cultures. “Mini Basketball in the Square” stands as a living testament to the initiative and organizational skills of Sergio Galante, its founder, and his team. Over the years, it has evolved into one of the finest events of its kind in Europe. This event has always been characterized by respect, inclusion, social and sporting engagement, all expressed through the marvelous universal language that only mini-basketball can convey. These values, which are also at the heart of the events for Matera as the European Capital of Culture 2019, now more than ever, highlight the educational and formative aspects of this splendid tournament. “

GIOVANNI Petrucci

“Never before has Matera been the center of the world as it is this year: Matera, European Capital of Culture 2019, Matera leading the Easybasket project in Europe funded by the European Community, and Matera reigning in mini-basketball with its Mini Basketball in the Square tournament now in its 27th edition.

Organizing an event like the one promoted by Pielle Matera and Sergio Galante and his team is a true sporting feat. Doing so for 27 editions speaks volumes about the organizational skills of the club and the close integration achieved with the city as a whole. My sincere gratitude goes to the many local administrations that have supported the tournament for years, as well as to the economic and social forces of the territory that have not hesitated to lend their support. Special thanks also go to the families of the Matera youth, who are essential in giving true meaning to the word “hospitality.”

I believe it is significant to say that this tournament does not belong solely to the club or to the world of mini-basketball but to the city itself. Matera stands as a symbol of integration, hospitality, and the sharing of diverse cultures, with youth coming from every corner of the globe. Through the beautiful game of basketball, they discover the beauty of learning about different habits, faiths, and cultures, exploring a small slice of the world and their own future.

We at FIP and the Mini-Basket Sector are proud to have clubs like Pielle Matera within our ranks. Thanks to their staff of executives, instructors, and volunteers, they have been pursuing such an important goal for many years. And now, finally, we focus on playing, having fun, getting to know Matera and the many towns that will host the games. It will be an experience that will forever remain in the memories of our young athletes, our future citizens of the world.”

MARCO Petrini

“The matches, the tournaments, the away games—these are the emotions that accompany the journey of young players as they experience the magic of sports. The responsibility of adults is to guide these emotions in an educational direction, emphasizing the formative elements that can help young people grow. In this regard, Matera becomes unique and special. Its International Mini-Basketball Tournament, amidst the warmth of families and the scents and colors of the city, transcends mere sporting value and grants a dream.

Wishing everyone, adults and children alike, a wonderful tournament.”

MAURIZIO Cremonini

Dear all,

Once again, we find ourselves here to recount this wonderful adventure. The 27th edition of the Mini Basketball in the Square is a historic event, one that has become an integral part of the sporting life of our region. Established over time, this year’s edition coincides with the celebrations of Matera as the European Capital of Culture 2019, helping us to keep alive the values of hospitality, brotherhood, and belonging: those that make us feel like citizens of the world.

Matera is now appreciated for its beauty, but we must not forget that we are in the presence of a city with great values, considering the human and moral qualities that characterize its people. The perfect combination of man and nature contributes to the merit of a dynamic, proactive city, steeped in history, culture, and civilization.

In this social context, sportsmen play a crucial role, that of transmitting the values of sports to everyday life. This is something that our friends at Pielle have done well and will continue to do so over time. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to you on behalf of the entire Lucanian sports community that I am honored to represent.

This is a splendid initiative aimed at an age group that deserves consideration and attention, as they are the ones preparing the men of tomorrow. Your organizational skills, tested annually, have made this event unique in the world, so much so that it has become an ambitious destination for many clubs worldwide.

My best wishes go out to you for this new adventure. May this be a moment of further growth and enrichment of the wealth of sporting and cultural experience that characterizes your desire to elevate this event ever higher.

Congratulations and thank you for your dedication!

LEOPOLDO Desiderio

To all participants,

“The International Tournament “Minibasket in Piazza” represents the most significant testimony of Lucanian passion for basketball throughout the entire Basilicata region. Its longevity stands as the greatest reward for the organizers and all volunteers who have dedicated themselves to its success for 27 years. On behalf of the Regional Committee of FIP Basilicata and personally, I extend greetings to all participants who will be guests of the City of Matera from June 16th to June 22nd, 2019. I wish you all a wonderful week filled with basketball.

Have fun, everyone!

GIOVANNI La Morte

Taking part in the historic Matera Tournament “Minibasket in Piazza” is for Bitonto not only an unmissable sporting event, but above all, a tangible sign of a deeper bond between the City of Stones and the Cradle of Olives. An affinity that further unites the European Capital of Culture with the finalist for the similar national title, on this occasion also in the name of the founding values ​​of a glorious discipline like basketball. Respect, loyalty, and friendship should be the guiding stars for the young basketball players involved in this splendid event, always impeccably organized by Pielle in collaboration with other associations. Representing the colors of Bitonto – I am certain, with dignity – will be Sporting Club, a society active for over forty years with seriousness and passion on the Apulian scene and beyond. Therefore, may it be an ocean of emotions for the young athletes from all over the world. And good tip-off to everyone!

MICHELE Abbaticchio

We support this initiative in synergy with other entities, sports associations, and partner companies because, beyond promoting sports practice, the aim is also to foster the development of social integration policies that, through sports, counteract forms of discrimination and intolerance. Sports serve as a tool to improve the physical and mental well-being of young people while simultaneously promoting and revitalizing public spaces, fostering a sense of community and socialization. I wish all participants to have fun, and I leave you with this quote from the great Michael Jordan: “Never say never. Because limits, like fears, are often just illusions.”

FABRIZIO Baldassarre

“When I hear the word “Mini-basketball,” I also think of the small courts where children play and learn to live, of the athletes who understand what it means to win and lose through competitions, of the school gyms where we grow with others, socialize, and learn about ourselves. I like to think that champions come from these courts, from these gyms. That to become champions, you start from there, and then it’s all about hard work and determination. And that sports teach us, first and foremost, respect for others—whether they’re teammates or opponents… In short, for me, this is what sports are all about.

Warm greetings to all the kids from the Mayor of Montescaglioso.”

VINCENZO Zito

“I am honored by the participation of the AGSD Toritto society in this important event, and I am proud of their commitment to promoting the values of loyalty, solidarity, and collaboration that sports teach us daily. I thank everyone for the invitation extended to the municipality of Toritto and wish all participants in the event good work and good fun. A warm embrace to all of them.”

PASQUALE Regina

” Sport is one of the “safety valves” for human beings because it allows us to put physical abilities, intelligence, teamwork, collaboration, sacrifice for achieving a goal, friendship, affection, and respect for rules into play. Starting from a young age means nurturing healthy and aware individuals. We must always be present and collaborative at all administrative and social levels to ensure that this happens. That’s what sport is all about. “

MARIA PIA Di Medio