Il Racconto dello Sport conference took place in Viareggio

An event of passion, stories, and reflection — that was “Sport tourism between major events and passion”, the conference held at the GAMC in Viareggio. Organised by the Municipality of Viareggio in collaboration with the Local Organising Committee of the Euro Beach Soccer League and CONI Toscana, and under the patronage of CONI, USSI, Sport e Salute, and AIPS Europe, the event was a celebration of the role sport plays in building community and serving as a cultural, economic, and social driving force.

The event brought together sports personalities, curious onlookers, and young athletes like those from the Pumas, who attentively followed the entire discussion. It united voices from across disciplines — those who have narrated sport through journalism and those who have lived it on the field — in a powerful and symbolic setting.

Hosted by Gianfranco Coppola, President of the Italian Sports Press Union (USSI), the conference honoured several guests with awards and commemorative plaques. Coppola noted that “sports tourism is increasingly becoming an economic driver — second only to religious tourism.” From roller hockey to cycling, fencing to beach soccer, and rugby, many of the attendees had either come from Viareggio or found a home in the city, and all had carried the values of sport — humility, respect, and authenticity — far and wide.

Beach Soccer Worldwide was awarded in the person of Vice-President Gabino Renales, who praised “the city of Viareggio for all the efforts in collaborating for a great Euro Beach Soccer League and the historic support of Italy to Beach Soccer, since the first days of the sport.”

Olympic fencing champion Margherita Zalaffi spoke of her long sporting journey through cities like Los Angeles, Seoul, Barcelona, Atlanta, and Sydney:

“Sport tourism is on the rise, especially in more accessible sports. Viareggio is an ideal location — with the Apuan Alps, the sea, and all the surroundings that make both elite competition and casual physical activity possible. I’ve witnessed people from the most unexpected places travel to follow sport — it truly moves crowds.”

Former roller hockey star and now coach Mirko Bertolucci added:

“Organising events in a city like this is a pleasure for everyone in the sporting world. It’s a platform to create top players, something we’re always proud of.”

One such player is Tommaso Fazzini, from Viareggio, currently representing Italy in the Euro Beach Soccer League Superfinal taking place on home sand:

“We hope to write another page of history in this Superfinal. If we achieve our goals, it will be something truly special. Playing in front of friends, family, and those who believed in me means everything.”

Dario Ramacciotti, former captain of the Italian national beach soccer team, reflected on his 200 appearances:

“Those moments of tension and anticipation with teammates were so special. That’s why I always say: savour them.”

Paolo Fornaciari, who enjoyed a 17-year career in professional cycling and rode in three Giro d’Italia victories, said:

“Sport is an incredible school of life — it’s taught me so much. I always tell young people to play sport, study hard, make sacrifices, and put the phones away.”

Denis Dallan, founder of the Titani Rugby club and resident of Viareggio for 15 years, added:

“Sport is a tool for society. If we raise individuals with sensitivity and values, we all benefit. Just like the champions present today — they all share humility, simplicity, and spontaneity.”

Viareggio’s Councillor for Sport, Rodolfo Salemi, opened the conference with a powerful message:

“Sport is a serious matter. Through infrastructure and events, we aim to give opportunities to the new generations, teaching discipline and teamwork. This event is a chance for the city to tell its story — past, present, and future.

Among the stories honoured was the one of Matteo Valenti, whose memory sparked the founding of Viareggio Beach Soccer 20 years ago.
Stefano Santini, founder of the club and a key member of the EBSL organising committee, recalled:

“Initially, we just wanted to remember Matteo. But the following year, that heart — which had stopped beating — began to beat again through this project. Thanks to the administration, we’re now celebrating the 20th anniversary of his absence with what may be the second-most important event in global beach soccer — and it was born right here.”

Simone Cardullo, President of CONI Toscana, highlighted Viareggio’s unique sporting DNA:

“The promenade and pine forests help nurture sporting talent. This city represents a blend of sport, tourism, and culture.”

Fernando Arcopinto, head of Italy’s national beach soccer delegation (FIGC), praised the city alongside Enrico Maria Sbardella, director of the Olympic Training Centre in Tirrenia:

“Viareggio is like a mother to us. Like turtles laying their young by the sea, here we send new generations onto the beach soccer pitches — creating champions like Ramacciotti and Fazzini. I believe the city has all the qualities, especially with a permanent venue, to host even more international events.”

Dundar Kesapli, President of the Mediterranean Sports Journalists Association, added a personal note during the segment dedicated to sports journalism:

“Dreaming is a word I love — because inside it lives everything: the dream of love, travel, championships. One of my dreams was to return to Viareggio after 15 years. Sporting events are not just spectacles — they have economic, cultural, human, and social impact. It is our duty to highlight them and build bridges between past and future.”

The session closed with a tribute to those who have preserved the memory of Viareggio’s historic stadium, which is soon to reopen. Journalists Giovanni Lorenzini, Roy Lepore, and Massimo Guidi were recognised by the local administration for their dedicated work and for publishing a book that gathers the full story of the stadium — a valuable contribution to the city’s collective memory.