Greetings from the Authorities XXVII Edition 2019

“From an early age, we are inclined 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 its priorities. Saint John Paul II would say that ‘sport has developed as one of the typical phenomena of modernity, almost a ‘sign of the times’ capable of interpreting the new needs and expectations of humanity’ (The Jubilee of Athletes, in: ‘Teachings’ XXIII, 2 (2000), p. 729. 2 Ibid). Now more than ever, sport is capturing global attention as a place that protects the weak and unites everyone (creating bridges of humanity: the initiative of Minibasket, which has been taking place in Matera for years, is confirmation of 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, the desire for victory at all costs. Let me borrow another phrase from Saint John Paul II in 1986, which 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 sport to unite. It brings people together. The competition among athletes is a universal language that immediately transcends the borders of nation, race, or political conviction.’ I wish for all of you to feel part of this humanity that intends to build bridges against the logic of rejection, division, and distinctions. Your presence is a guarantee 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 firmly established itself among the most significant appointments in the city of Matera, welcoming the vibrant ‘celebration,’ in which children become protagonists and are entrusted with the keys to the city. It is a moment that confirms the natural inclination of the people of Matera towards hospitality and openness to social interaction in the spirit of sincere friendship. I am certain that once again this year, the city will come together around its young guests during an extraordinary week of joy, fun, and healthy sporting activity. The largest international youth basketball event is once again presented in its most fitting setting: Matera, the European Capital of Culture, is ready to welcome the wave of enthusiasm and genuineness from its young athletes, ensuring them all the hospitality and passion it has to offer. I would like to emphasize how ‘Minibasket in Piazza’ aims to affirm, through sport, universal values such as solidarity and brotherhood, unity, and friendship among peoples that have always been part of the DNA of the city of Matera and that blend well with the ideals of an event rooted in loyalty, fairness, and respect for the opponent. On these foundations and with the best wishes for the upcoming event, I extend the warmest welcome to the young guests and express my personal appreciation to the organizers of this prestigious festival for their commitment to the meticulous organization of every detail, along with the most heartfelt good luck. The intercontinental dimension now achieved by the ‘Minibasket in Piazza’ Tournament finds full correspondence this year in the extraordinary international dimension experienced by Matera and Basilicata.”

DEMETRIO Martino

“In line with the beautiful and well-established tradition, once again this year the State Police supports and encourages, with its sponsorship, the international event ‘Minibasket in Piazza,’ believing that it, besides being an occasion for ‘clean’ fun, fosters the path of individual and collective growth and education of the young generations who will take part in it, in the sacred values ​​of sportsmanship which, 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 useful aggregation to facilitate mutual understanding and to break down barriers, to cement friendship among peoples, and to affirm the supreme good of peace. Therefore, welcome to all the boys and girls who, for a week, will be in Matera to compete in the basketball tournament in the suggestive setting of Piazza Vittorio Veneto. Together, I am certain, they will contribute to winning first and foremost enthusiasm, joy, and friendship. I look forward to welcoming 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. Sports are an expression of culture, education, and socialization within a community, highlighting its values. The bond between Matera and basketball has ancient roots. In the 1940s, a sports association was formed, the Polisportiva Giuseppe Padula, in memory of an athlete who fell in the war on the Greek front. In the 1950s, the torch was passed to Olimpia Basket, which from its early days, has always paid great attention to the training of young players.

On that foundation of volunteerism in sports and competitive commitment, entire generations of young people from Matera have grown, maintaining the significant presence of this beloved sport. ‘Minibasket in Piazza,’ now an internationally renowned event thanks to the dedication of its organizers, to whom the city owes gratitude, follows in the footsteps of this tradition.

To the children, their families, the leaders of the sports associations participating in the tournament, and all sports enthusiasts who will follow it, I extend my warmest greetings on behalf of the city.

RAFFAELLO de Ruggieri

Once again this year, as in all the years that have accompanied Matera’s candidacy as the European Capital of Culture and those immediately following the award of the title, the Matera Basilicata 2019 Foundation’s support for the Polisportiva Dilettantistica Pielle Matera Association, organizer of the 27th edition of Minibasket in Piazza, could not be missing. This year’s edition is particularly special as it falls within Matera’s year as the European Capital of Culture. The Minibasket in Piazza 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, resulting in increased visibility and content. Sport, much like music, serves as a significant driver of social cohesion, which is one of the central themes of our program. For this reason, thanks to the collaboration of Luca Corsolini, a historic figure in Italian sports journalism, we have built a specific program called “Sport Tales,” which includes many initiatives, some of which have already been realized and others are underway. Among the main initiatives are the establishment of a sports library, the Italian Sports Hall of Fame, and performances 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, and many more will follow. However, Minibasket in Piazza is a project that goes beyond the scope of competitive sports and the values associated with it. It is something more because it involves 56 teams from all over 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. And it is something more because at the heart of this program is 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 that this practice should be valued because these experiences represent the best antidote to ignorance and social degradation and the best condition for strengthening the culture of welcome and hospitality. This model is the basis of our artistic residencies and the protagonism of temporary citizens. To underscore the significance of this experience, among the many things we have done to support Minibasket in Piazza, we have decided to give all participants time traveler goggles. A small symbolic gift to signify how beautiful and fun it is to become 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 the Fondazione Matera Basilicata 2019

“Matera is not only the European Capital of Culture but also of minibasket. The year 2019 will be one to remember, one of those that makes the history of a city, a region, a country. The 27th edition of the “Minibasket in Piazza” event, with the presence of young athletes from four continents, will be an opportunity to witness a healthy multicultural invasion in the name of sports and its values. Engaging in sports is engaging in life, in daily culture, because through sports, we can educate. Sports 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 outside 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 on which to build tomorrow. The symbolic handing over of the keys to the City of Stones is not just a gesture in itself, but a conscious act because, as Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, “the moral sense of a society is measured by what it does for its children.” A special applause, therefore, to the A.P.D. Pielle Matera and the local institutions that have contributed over the years to building an event that is not only sportive 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 “Minibasket in Piazza” Tournament, now in its twenty-seventh edition. Around a thousand young basketball players in the Aquilotti category, engage in seven intense days of activities in the center of Matera, but also in neighboring municipalities. Teams come from all over Italy, as well as from North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia, with a record nineteen teams from Jordan. The children are pampered and engaged by the people of Matera in a fruitful dialogue between different generations and cultures.

“Minibasket in Piazza” is a living testimony to the initiative and organizational skills of Sergio Galante, who conceived it, and his staff. Over the years, it has become one of the best European events of its kind. An event that has always been characterized by respect, inclusion, social and sporting dialogue, all expressed through the wonderful universal language that only minibasketball can convey. These values, not coincidentally, are at the heart of the events for Matera European Capital of Culture 2019, and today more than ever, they enhance the educational and formative aspects of this splendid tournament.

GIOVANNI Petrucci

Matera, more than ever this year, is the center of the world. As the European Capital of Culture 2019, the flagship city of the Easybasket project in Europe funded by the European Community, and the queen of minibasket with its Minibasket in Piazza tournament now in its 27th edition. Organizing an event like the one promoted by Pielle Matera and by 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 thanks go 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 failed to provide their support, and to the families of the Matera children who are essential in giving true meaning to the word hospitality. I believe I express significant appreciation by saying that this tournament does not belong to the club, it does not belong to the world of minibasket, but it belongs to the city, to Matera, as a symbol of integration, hospitality, and sharing of diverse cultures. It belongs to children from all over the world who, through the most beautiful game in the world, discover the beauty of learning about different habits, faiths, cultures, discovering a small slice of the world and their future. We at the Italian Basketball Federation (FIP) and in the Minibasket Sector are proud to have clubs like Pielle Matera within our ranks, thanks to their staff of managers, coaches, and volunteers who have been pursuing such an important goal for so many years. And now, finally, let’s 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 remain forever in the memory of our young athletes, our future citizens of the world.

MARCO Petrini

“The games, the tournaments, the trips, are emotions that run through 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, highlighting the formative elements that can help the youth grow. In this regard, Matera becomes unique and special; its International Minibasket Tournament, amidst the warmth of families, the scents, and colors of the city, transcends mere sporting value and grants a dream.

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

MAURIZIO Cremonini

Dear All,

Once again, we find ourselves here to embark on this beautiful adventure together. The 27th edition of Minibasket in Piazza is a historic event, one that has become an integral part of the sports life in our region. Established over time, this year’s tournament coincides with the celebrations of Matera as the European Capital of Culture 2019, helping us 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 it is important not to 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 making it a dynamic, proactive city, steeped in history, culture, and civilization. In this social context, sportsmen play a crucial role in transmitting the values of sports to everyday life. This is something the friends at Pielle have managed to do well, and they will continue to do so over time. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to you on behalf of the entire sports community of Lucania, which I am honored to represent. This is a wonderful initiative aimed at an age group that deserves consideration and attention, as they are the ones who will shape the men of tomorrow. Your organizational skills, demonstrated annually, have made this event unique in the world, so much so that it is an ambitious destination for many clubs from around the globe. My best wishes go out to you for this yet another new adventure. May this be a moment of further growth and enrichment of the wealth of sports and cultural experience that characterizes your desire to continually elevate this event.

Congratulations and thank you for your commitment!

LEOPOLDO Desiderio

To all participants:

The International Tournament “Minibasket in Piazza” represents the most significant testimony of the passion of the people of Basilicata for basketball, and its longevity is the best reward for the organizers and all the volunteers who have been committed to its realization for 27 years.

On behalf of the Regional Committee of FIP Basilicata and personally, I greet all the participants who will be guests of the City of Matera from June 16th to 22nd, 2019, and I wish them a wonderful week full of basketball.

Enjoy yourselves, everyone!

GIOVANNI La Morte

“Taking part in the historic Matera Tournament “Minibasket in Piazza” is for Bitonto not only an unmissable sporting event but also, and above all, a tangible sign of an increasingly profound bond between the City of Stones and the Cradle of Olive Trees. 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 principles for the young basketball players participating in this splendid event, always impeccably organized by Pielle in collaboration with other associations. Representing the Bitonto colors – I am sure, with dignity – will be Sporting Club, a society active for over forty years with seriousness and passion on the Apulian scene and beyond. So, let it be an ocean of emotions for the young athletes coming from all over the world. And good tip-off to everyone!“

“We support this initiative in synergy with other entities, sports associations, and partner companies because, in addition to promoting sports participation, the aim is also to promote 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 and, at the same time, promote and revitalize public spaces, in a logic of aggregation 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 an illusion.”

FABRIZIO Baldassarre

“When I hear the word ‘Minibasket’, I also think of the courts with kids playing and learning to live, of the athletes competing to understand what winning and losing mean, of the school gyms where we grow with others, socialize, and where we learn about ourselves.

I like to think that champions come from these courts, from these gyms. And that to become champions, it starts there and then it’s all hard work and determination. And that sports teach us above all respect for others. Whether they’re teammates or opponents… in short, that’s what sports mean to me.

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

VINCENZO Zito

“I am honored by the participation of the AGSD Toritto club in this important event, and I am proud of their commitment to promoting the values of loyalty, solidarity, and collaboration that sports teach us on a daily basis. I thank everyone for the invitation extended to the municipality of Toritto and wish all the participants in the event good luck and good fun. A warm hug 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, team spirit, 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 sports is all about.”

MARIA PIA Di Medio