by Maximiliano Crocamo
Interviews: Massimiliano Fedriga, FVG governor; Andrea Marcon, president of CONI FVG
Italy’s biggest sporting event for athletes under 14 is set to begin later this month in Friuli Venezia Giulia, with a record 4,600 participants expected to take part in the 10th edition of the Trofeo CONI.
At a press conference in Trieste on Tuesday, Governor Massimiliano Fedriga described the event as a milestone for the region, both in terms of scale and organizational challenge. “This edition of the Trofeo CONI is unprecedented in participation — a challenge for Lignano and the entire regional system, but one we are ready to face thanks to the major events already hosted in Friuli Venezia Giulia,” he said.
Joining Fedriga were Deputy Governor Mario Anzil, who oversees sports, Lignano Mayor Laura Giorgi, and Andrea Marcon, president of CONI Friuli Venezia Giulia, the local branch of Italy’s national sports committee.
The Trofeo CONI brings together young athletes from across Italy for four days of competition in 44 sports, ranging from traditional disciplines to newer additions such as Wushu Kung-Fu sanda. This year will also feature a demonstration of twirling. Competitions will take place primarily in Lignano Sabbiadoro, but also in nearby towns including Portogruaro, Basaldella, Porpetto, Cervignano, and Latisana.
The opening ceremony is scheduled for September 28 at Teghil Stadium, with a closing celebration on the beach on October 1. Athletes and coaches will be hosted in local facilities, including Bell’Italia, Camping Sabbiadoro, and Albatros resorts.
Fedriga emphasized that the event carries significance beyond sports. “This is aimed at the youngest generation, and spreading the values of sport and the Olympic spirit is a crucial investment in our future,” he said. He also noted that the regional administration has been increasing its focus on major sporting events, pointing to recent and upcoming fixtures such as the UEFA Super Cup in August, a national team match in Udine, the Women’s Volleyball Super Cup, and the 2027 European Youth Olympic Festival.
The governor invited national sports federations to consider Friuli Venezia Giulia as a host for future events, citing the region’s organizational capacity and economic benefits for local communities.
The 2025 edition will also welcome young athletes from Italian communities abroad, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, and Venezuela, as part of the government’s “Turismo delle Radici” initiative, a cultural project supported by Italy’s post-pandemic recovery plan.
