St.Ignatius College students star in ‘Progetto Si’

From 21st to 25th May, Antonio Oteri and Vincenzo Bonina, from classes II and III respectively of the S.Ignazio College, had a valuable networking experience in the city of Palermo, accompanied by teacher Claudio Cavalieri.
In fact, the 2023/24 edition of ‘Project yes’ was held at the Gonzaga Campus, a project long-awaited by the students: a sports twinning between secondary school students from Leone XIII in Milan, Istituto Sociale in Turin, Istituto Massimiliano Massimo in Rome, Istituto Pontano in Naples, Gonzaga Campus in Palermo and, of course, Collegio S.Ignazio in Messina.
The young students competed in a series of sports such as surfing, handball, football, basketball, beach volleyball and tennis, demonstrating friendship and a healthy competitive spirit. ‘It was a very positive experience,’ said Maestro Claudio Cavalieri, accompanying teacher, ‘a strong moment of aggregation through sport. The sharing and comparison with the other schools of the Network was fundamental for the growth path of our children’.
Sport has always been a powerful tool for social gathering as it can break down barriers and foster integration between individuals of different backgrounds. Through the practice of sport, bridges are created that overcome differences in ethnicity, religion, gender and social class. Sport promotes universal values such as fair play, respect, and solidarity, principles on which Ignatian pedagogy is also based, thus embracing and promoting the mission of creating ‘men and women for others’. These fundamental principles are also transmitted to students through sports disciplines, contributing to the construction of conscious and responsible citizens. Sport plays a crucial role in promoting health and physical and mental wellbeing, especially among young secondary school pupils, who are approaching the delicate moment of adolescence. Participation in sporting events encourages socialisation and the building of social bonds, helping to counter the risk of isolation and loneliness.
On 23rd May, at the same time as the project days, the students experienced a meaningful moment of prayer and meditation for the fight against the mafias and the promotion of legality. The event held near Giovanni Falcone’s tree in Via Notarbartolo in Palermo raised awareness and moved the young participants. The activities concluded with greetings from Fr Vitangelo Denora SJ, who emphasised the importance of sport and its role as a catalyst for change and social cohesion.
Prof. Roberta Caruso
Head of Communication St. Ignatius College
Share