Greetings from the Authorities 2017

I don’t know how many of you have had the opportunity to get to know a young man named Pier Giorgio Frassati. He was declared Blessed a few years ago. A young man of our times who managed to combine his love and passion for sports (especially mountaineering) with his devotion to God. The result he aimed for, in particular, was to climb the heights of life, inviting his peers to do the same. Not just to satisfy the desire to win races, but to be winners in life.

Benedict XVI, addressing a group of Italian athletes, said: “The pressure to achieve significant results should never lead to taking shortcuts like doping. You must be witnesses of good humanity and masters of a sports practice that is always fair and clear.” This is what I wish for every boy, young person, and adult who loves sports and works so that many others can be led into and immersed in this beautiful, true, authentic world, where the energies of the individual become shared by all and joy is a strong moment to be shared.

I embrace and bless you all.

† DON PINO Caiazzo

“It is with great pleasure that I join, along with other institutions, in welcoming and extending a warm greeting to the young athletes, organizers, and chaperones of the international event ‘Minibasket in Piazza.’ This event serves as a training ground for the men of tomorrow.

With this spirit, the city of Matera is hosting the Minibasket in Piazza for the 25th time, shining a spotlight on the extraordinary territory of Matera for a week. Matera, the city of peace and human rights, eagerly prepares to welcome approximately a thousand young basketball players from all around the world who, with their colors and spontaneity, will bring a wave of enthusiasm to the city squares.

Once again, sport serves as the primary catalyst for peace and brotherhood among peoples; true sport, based on healthy educational principles and genuine values such as loyalty, fairness, and respect for the opponent. I extend my personal appreciation to those who have been committed to the complex organization for years, and I also greet all the guests, hoping that their week in Matera, among the children of the world without barriers and prejudices between peoples, will remain indelible in their memories as a reference point for their development.”

ANTONELLA Bellomo

One must come to Matera to witness an extraordinary spectacle, full of colors, emotions, smiles, joy, and happiness. It is a fantastic event where the protagonists are the youngest: children from various nations and different cultures who gather every year in the City of Stones under a hoop and in front of a ball. What unites them is their love for sport and brotherhood among peoples, universal values that no war or bomb will ever be able to eradicate.

They fascinate us and involve us with their love for life, their desire to compete and win, their pleasure in participating and being present. Every time one witnesses this spectacle, they are enraptured, they return to childhood, and they understand how beautiful life is. Planning and organizing such an event is no small feat.

Therefore, I would like to extend my congratulations to the organizers of the International Tournament “Minibasket in Piazza” and to all the parents around the world who entrust their children into their hands for these days of unforgettable stay in Matera. We, the State Police, are always happy to contribute to the success of the initiative, and for this, we are grateful to all those who conceived, built, and carried it out. We hope that the example of great humanity and affection that comes from these little ones can serve as a model to imitate for all those who, like us, are no longer children.

PAOLO Sirna

Venticinque anni sono un traguardo importante che sottolineano la qualità e la passione di quanti si impegnano per l’organizzazione del Minibasket in piazza.
Ospitalità, accoglienza, sportività continuano ad essere valori fondanti della manifestazione e trasmessi con grande generosità a tante nuove generazioni di atleti e alle loro famiglie che in questi giorni raggiungono la città dei Sassi da più parti del mondo.
L’attività solidale e volontaria di tanti cittadini e cittadine impegnati attivamente nella crescita sociale della propria città è contributo prezioso al lavoro delle istituzioni.
Sono sinceri, pertanto, l’apprezzamento per questa iniziativa e la gratitudine verso gli organizzatori e quanti a vario titolo concorrono a rendere il torneo così atteso e riuscito.

In bocca al lupo e buon lavoro!

MARCELLO Pittella

“Sharing and participation are terms that now belong to our everyday lexicon. Using them is very simple; implementing them is a different matter, it is part of the cultural growth that each of us must undergo, becoming an ambassador of growth and culture. Matera has been representing precisely this significant example of active citizenship for years through the event ‘Minibasket in Piazza,’ which combines the values of sport for young people with participation through a positive and joyful mechanism of hospitality that involves Matera’s families. It is an exchange that does not look at borders, differences of any kind, but, on the contrary, values ​​all uniquenesses. Matera is grateful to the organizers who transform squares, alleys, and streets into agorae where young people are protagonists of a virtuous and positive journey. We live in an era where those who are different often represent, in the collective sense, an element of division and suspicion. Matera, however, confirms thanks to this international event, the spirit that moved the ‘vicinati’ of the Sassi, places where no one was left behind and the ancient city became a single, immense space of sharing. It is there that our city still looks today through the eyes of children from all over the world.”

RAFFAELLO de Ruggieri

Twenty-five years, what a milestone!
Having experienced the city in all its forms and hopes for seven years already, every time Minibasket in Piazza approaches, I realize that winter has truly passed and spring is finally giving way to summer. Schools are out, and urban spaces become everyone’s, to occupy instead of just passing through. We take our time in them, and above all, we take space. In these seven years, and even more so in the last twenty-five, the city has completely changed: at the beginning, Minibasket in Piazza was perhaps not the only but certainly the most important moment to meet people from other nations, if not from other continents.

Today, as Matera becomes a key stop on a major Italian tour where the South finally has a new role, even Minibasket must be able to intercept this change. It has been an example of relationships between people, it has been one of the cornerstones of our candidacy dossier; now we must all work for another twenty-five years of noisy kids in shorts invading the Sassi and sleeping in the homes of generous Materans. See you in 2042, 550 years after the discovery of America, 50 years after the discovery of Matera.

Paolo VERRI

A lifestyle projected into infinity to promote the values that characterize our movement. The appointment with “Minibasket in Piazza” renews itself under the sign of the tradition that has always accompanied it, made of involvement and sharing, of comparison and emotions. Twenty-five years of passion in the service of promoting sports in its most virtuous sense. A significant milestone that rewards fruitful, passionate commitment, with basketball as a manifestation of a way of being that has made an impact, gaining credibility and appeal.

The event has indeed hosted thousands of young people from all over the world, triumphing with the universal message that distinguishes us: because the world we live in daily is a bridge that erases distances, it knows how to embrace diverse cultures, surpassing every difference, making brotherhood an indispensable paradigm. This occasion allows me, once again, to thank the organizers for their tireless efforts in the name of the ideals we believe in, with the aim of involving more and more young people, bringing them closer to the competitive reality with an educational approach that is the most important aspect.

Because sports help us grow, become better people, not just win on the field. It teaches us to respect the rules and the opponent, to express ourselves, even in life, with loyalty and transparency, and to remember – always – that every goal is achieved with dedication and sacrifice. I am confident that this prestigious showcase can become a springboard for the young people who will participate, the first page of a beautiful book to be written in one breath, turning this premise into an unforgettable, playful, and educational celebration. On a personal note, and on behalf of the Italian National Olympic Committee, I extend the most sincere greetings to the organizers and all the participants, confident that Matera will experience a tournament that lives up to expectations.

GIOVANNI Malagò

“Matera, where minibasket excites

Minibasket in Piazza, among the people. Perhaps this is the best expression of our game-sport: the ability to involve boys, girls, parents, and friends in a single great emotion that goes hand in hand with recreational and motor activity.

An emotion that is fully experienced in Matera, where all the mini-basketball players are embraced by the entire city for a week: the courts are set up in the main city squares, and the kids live in close contact with each other and with the people of Matera before, after, and even during the games. The Tournament is a real explosion of joy, colors, the desire to play, and to be together in a week that is always too short.

An event that has become a reference point for Italian minibasket, but also internationally, given the long list of teams that have participated in the event over the years. Minibasket in Piazza has reached its 25th edition. Surely one of the longest-standing tournaments in our entire basketball scene. The boys who participated in the first editions have since become players, coaches, referees, managers. They have received wonderful memories from the Tournament, but also values, ways of behaving, and friendships that they have carried with them throughout their lives. This is sport, basketball, at its best.

I am delighted to greet all the participants and congratulate President Giovanni Cotrufo and his staff, including the tireless Sergio Galante, for the contribution they have long been making to Italian basketball.

Ad Maiora

GIOVANNI Petrucci

25 years, an important milestone, I would say historic, the “silver anniversary” with a magical and unique world like that of minibasket, that of sport in its truest, highest dimension. I cannot hide my emotions even just writing this; it’s my first year as President of the Minibasket Sector FIP, and I feel honored to have the opportunity to pay tribute to this historic tournament. Pielle Matera, with all its collaborators at the forefront, especially my friend Sergio Galante, who dedicate heart and soul to the realization of the event, has exponentially grown its tournament over time. Bringing together the most important values of our game-sport dedicated to the little ones, showing that brotherhood and competitiveness, friendship and rivalry, can and must coexist, incorporating all of this into a magical context like the city of Matera, its charm, its uniqueness.

Playing and living this experience in the square, among the people, becoming one with the city is the further qualifying aspect of the tournament, the photos of Piazza Vittorio Veneto teeming with crowds and children playing minibasket give a good idea of ​​what it is.

Matera, which will be the European Capital of Culture in 2019, anticipates this prestigious milestone and presents itself in 2017 with the “Minibasket in Piazza” tournament, now in its 25th edition, as the world capital of minibasket and sport, a vehicle for knowledge and brotherhood among peoples. Long live Minibasket, long live Matera.

MARCO Petrini

There are stories that leave a mark on communities, there are events that characterize individuals and their territories. The Minibasket in Piazza must be counted among the essential appointments that exalt the qualities of a sports leadership capable of valorizing the principles of brotherhood among peoples through the passion for sports, in the spirit of hospitality. That hospitality is typical of the Lucanian people and specifically of Matera. The intercultural exchange that takes place among young athletes marks an extremely important moment of growth for the younger generations of all nationalities. This is the sport that transcends borders, that is a gymnasium of life and teaching of rules, those rules of the game that become an example of discipline in daily life. The Coni of Basilicata, which I have been called to represent, thanks all the friends, whether they are managers, coaches, or athletes, who have been working for years for the success of Minibasket in Piazza. The results achieved so far speak for themselves and explain the quality of work that is the result of competence and boundless passion for sports. I wish the best of luck to the organization and to all those who, in various capacities, will take part in it this year.

A sports embrace!

LEOPOLDO Desiderio

“The International Tournament “Minibasket in Piazza” has reached its XXV edition: a truly significant and important milestone for an event that represents a real flagship for basketball in our Region.

On behalf of the Regional Committee FIP Basilicata and personally, I extend a warm greeting to the children, coaches, and chaperones of the participating teams, who from June 18th to 24th, 2017 will be guests of the City of Matera, and best wishes to the referees, who will also be protagonists of this Tournament now known worldwide.

Have fun, everyone!“

GIOVANNI Lamorte

I enthusiastically welcome and share initiatives established in our local community.The event “Mini Basket in Piazza” represents for our students a moment of comparison and healthy competition among peers that strengthens the sense of respect towards others. Acceptance of one’s own way of being, respect for rules, constitute characteristics that develop and improve basic and transversal skills useful and necessary for the education of our young people, citizens of tomorrow.

ROSARIA Cancelliere

It’s not just an institutional greeting but a real “embrace” that I extend to all the participants in the 25th edition of the International Tournament “Minibasket in Piazza,” which also involves the children of my city. I am truly delighted to express my excitement in greeting the organization of this tournament, which deserves applause for the beauty it radiates, for the passionate people who participate, and for the various communities that strive to transmit through this sporting activity a different atmosphere and universal values.

The importance of this event lies not only in the challenge but above all in being together and in the ability to create a splendid cultural and social exchange: minibasket in the European Capital of Culture 2019 goes beyond sport, and the kids understand not only on the field that events like this manage to convey a clear message of joy because the community and the welcome they receive are a clear example.

To them I say: uphold the true values of life such as respect, sharing, and study, because the future needs educated youth, and consider sports as a point of comparison, not only competitive but also of knowledge. Events like this truly leave something in the hearts of the kids, beyond the sporting activity, because first and foremost it’s wonderful to have the opportunity to interact with people from all over the world and engage in dialogue with them.

Have fun, everyone.

Massimo Mazzilli

I am glad to host this great event even in Montescaglioso, which gives our children, our future, the opportunity to get to know children from different cultures. Minibasket in Piazza is not just about wins or losses, it’s about the unity between children and adults who come together in a square to overcome the barriers that modern culture often makes insurmountable.

It’s not just a simple event, but a deep need to relive and renew with increasing energy because, in our small way, we are sure that this message of brotherhood will remain forever in the hearts of all participants and will spread over time to all latitudes and in all languages.

Vincenzo ZITO

The community of Cassano is happy and proud to once again host an important international event for children. We are all delighted to have future little champions from Veneto, Emilia Romagna, and Abruzzo as guests in our land and among our families, in a blend that combines sports, socializing, and getting to know our territory! I extend my best wishes, encouraging them to embrace the values of fairness that this sport carries.

Have fun, everyone!

Maria Pia DI MEDIO

Twenty-five years, twenty-five editions, five lustrums, a quarter of a century. Minibasket in Piazza is ready to blow out its twenty-fifth candle. It’s become a grand event, mature and tested. Yet it retains unchanged the spirit, the enthusiasm, the freshness of the early editions.

Where there are children, one never grows old. Twenty-five editions have reinforced the belief that it is precisely the children who are the strength and the incentive to continue, to present themselves in the Square perhaps with a varied presence, a renewed program, a new participation, a new community. And surprises will certainly not be lacking in the silver kermesse of the twenty-fifth anniversary.

Since 1993, Minibasket in Piazza has hosted thousands of children from Italy and every corner of the world. From North and South America, from North and Central Africa, from Asian countries, from Europe. From the Middle East. From countries experiencing economic problems or where peace is lacking or worse, experiencing fratricidal and internal wars.

Minibasket in Piazza erases barriers. It proposes a model of coexistence that tends to strengthen bonds, fosters friendship, stimulates a model of solidarity life, and proposes unique principles of peace and brotherhood.

Minibasket in Piazza aims at the hearts of children where every difference is annulled. The color of the skin is simply a different color of the skin; culture, religion, lifestyle are different interpretations of life. And regardless of origin, children are the expression of happiness, of smiling at life. They are the present and the future. They are the vital energy, the daring, the carefreeness, the absence of political and religious prejudice. They are the hope of a better world, today sick and marked. They are the essence of life (how much the adults would have to learn from the children!).

For this reason alone, Minibasket in Piazza should live on and withstand the weather of time for the next twenty-five years. And more.

Thank you to everyone. To those who have believed in and invested time and energy in children for twenty-five years. Thanks to the young active sports protagonists, to the coaches, to the chaperones, to the managers, to the parents who with their presence alone contribute to making the Minibasket in Piazza event unique and magical.

Thank you for existing, Minibasket in Piazza.