by InTrieste
The Trieste branch of the Associazione Nazionale Arma di Cavalleria, a national cavalry veterans’ association, donated more than 300 sports jerseys on Wednesday to the city’s municipal youth centers, known locally as ricreatori.
The ceremony took place at the “F.lli Fonda Savio” youth center in Opicina and was attended by local and regional officials, including Maurizio De Blasio, Trieste’s Councillor for Education and Family Policy. The initiative was funded by a regional grant from Friuli Venezia Giulia, designed to support veterans’ and military associations in projects that preserve historical memory while encouraging civic and social activities.
Thirteen of the city’s ricreatori, long-established centers where children and teenagers gather for sports, educational programs and after-school activities, will benefit from the new equipment. Each center received jerseys in a dedicated color, to be used in basketball, soccer and volleyball tournaments among the various facilities.
“These youth centers accompany our young people as they grow, alongside their school careers,” Mr. De Blasio said at the event. “We want them to understand the context they live in and to develop a sense of civic responsibility. Institutions like the armed forces and police represent examples of belonging to the community and the nation.”
The councillor was joined by Antonella Brecel, head of the city’s pedagogical coordination office, as well as staff members from the Opicina center. He also thanked regional councillor Claudio Giacomelli, who introduced the budget amendment that made the grant possible.
Representatives from the military and civic world attended the ceremony, including Lieutenant Roberto Madeddu, president of the Trieste branch of the cavalry association; General Francesco Bonaventura, vice president of the national organization; regional environment councillor Fabio Scoccimarro; and Paolo Sardos Albertini, president of the Lega Nazionale. A contingent from the Piemonte Cavalleria 2nd Regiment, based at the Guido Brunner barracks in Villa Opicina, was also present.
Mr. Madeddu said the project met both the historical and social goals set out by the regional grant. “Many youth centers are named after decorated military figures,” he noted. “By providing these jerseys, we honor memory while also giving young people the chance to play sports.”
The ricreatori, a fixture of Triestine life for more than a century, continue to serve as a bridge between education and recreation, offering thousands of children opportunities for growth, play and community engagement.
