by Maximiliano Crocamo
Entrepreneur and sports manager Enrico Samer received this year’s Premio Campionissimi, a regional award now in its fourth edition, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to sports and community development in Friuli Venezia Giulia.
The award ceremony took place at the Regional Government headquarters in Trieste, with Regional Councillor for Local Autonomies Pierpaolo Roberti presenting the honor.
“This year, the Premio Campionissimi is awarded to Enrico Samer, a successful entrepreneur and sports manager who has given so much to the city of Trieste through his work in sports,” said Roberti during the ceremony. “It is a well-deserved recognition for his long-standing commitment—first with Pallanuoto Trieste, now a leading team nationally and in Europe, and later with the creation of Trieste Campus, a new kind of sports facility that promotes youth development, education, and community engagement.”
Roberti described Trieste Campus as “an inclusive space open to all, designed so that young people can take part in sports without giving up study, leisure, or fun.” He added that the initiative represents “a model for how Friuli Venezia Giulia aims to promote sports—not just as competition, but as a means of personal and social growth.”
According to Roberti, Samer joins a distinguished list of past honorees whose dedication and vision have left a mark on the region’s sports culture. Previous recipients of the Premio Campionissimi include journalist Paolo Condò, basketball coach Bogdan Tanjević, and football manager Attilio Tesser.
“The Region’s gratitude goes to Enrico Samer for his tireless commitment to sports—especially youth sports—and for his deep connection to Trieste,” Roberti concluded. “He represents the city’s energy, passion, and forward-looking spirit.”
