Pallapugno: The New Season Begins

The new pallapugno season has officially commenced amidst the esteemed setting of the Cantina Terre del Barolo in Castiglione Falletto. This well-attended event marked the formal presentation of the upcoming championships: Serie A Banca d'Alba, Serie B, and the Women's league.

Paolo Boffa, the president, hosted the ceremony, emphasizing the strong connection between the region and this deeply rooted sport. Alongside him, Enrico Costa, president of the Italian Pallapugno Federation, outlined the season's strategic direction, highlighting themes of growth, youth development, and the recognition of excellence within the sport.

Numerous institutional representatives and partners offered their remarks. Maurizio Giacosa reaffirmed Banca d'Alba's significant support, while Renato Sevega of Siscom underscored the vital synergy between sport, businesses, and the local community. Other notable attendees included Ezio Raviola from Compagnia di San Paolo, Luca Robaldo, President of the Province of Cuneo, the newly appointed Vice President of Coni Piemonte, Lavinia Saracco, and Alberto Gatto, Mayor of Alba.

Massimo Gula, president of Gal Langhe e Roero Leader, spoke on behalf of local development, and Massimo Aicardi, president of the League of Pallapugno Societies, represented the clubs. The event also celebrated the sport's rich history with the presence of legendary champion Felice Bertola, a symbol of its enduring tradition.

Referees were also recognized, with representatives Massimo Chiesa and Attilio Bongiovanni acknowledging their crucial role in the championships. Greetings were extended from those unable to attend, including Alberto Cirio and Paolo Bongioanni, president and sports councillor of the Piedmont Region, Mauro Gola and Mario Canova of Fondazione Crc, and Tino Cornaglia, president of Banca d'Alba.

Looking to both the future and the past, Emanuele Sottimano, Luca Giaccone, and Guido Mignone presented the CàBalun project, a new pallapugno and sphaeristics sports museum being established in Niella Belbo. Giorgio Vacchetto provided an update on the National Team's activities, as they prepare for the CIJB world championships in Mendoza, Argentina. The FIPAP school project, diligently managed by Stefano Dho and Egidio Rivoira, was also highlighted as a cornerstone for introducing pallapugno to younger generations.

One of the evening's most captivating moments was the parade of the teams, showcasing formations from all three championships. Athletes, coaches, and managers were introduced individually to enthusiastic applause, creating a vibrant display of colors and team spirit. This procession symbolically inaugurated the new sporting year, reinforcing the strong sense of community that has always defined pallapugno. The event vividly affirmed the vitality of pallapugno, poised for another season of fierce competition, cherished tradition, and its deep ties to the Piedmont and Liguria territories.