by InTrieste
In a ceremony held in the grand Sala di Rappresentanza of the Friuli Venezia Giulia regional headquarters, Paralympic table tennis champion Matteo Parenzan was awarded the “Mulo de Oro,” an honor bestowed annually by the Panathlon Club of Trieste.
The 22-year-old athlete, who captured a gold medal at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, was praised for both his sporting achievements and his dedication to representing his community.
“Matteo Parenzan is a great example and a source of pride for all of us,” said Massimiliano Fedriga, governor of Friuli Venezia Giulia, during the ceremony. “Through determination, perseverance and talent, he is carrying high the colors of Trieste, our region and the entire country. His sporting results, combined with his strong sense of belonging to his community, are giving an important contribution to the visibility of our region.”
Parenzan, a student at the University of Trieste, has been a prominent figure in Italian sports since serving as the country’s flag bearer at the closing ceremony of the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. Beyond his competitive career, he is also an ambassador for Paralympic sports, working to promote athletic opportunities for young people.
The “Mulo de Oro,” named after the traditional symbol of Trieste, recognizes local athletes and organizations who embody excellence, merit and adherence to Panathlon’s values of fair play and sportsmanship.
“Those of us in institutional roles change over time, while people of true value remain,” Fedriga added, expressing hope that the collaboration between the region and Parenzan “can continue for many years.”
Regional councillors Pierpaolo Roberti, responsible for security, and Fabio Scoccimarro, responsible for environmental policy, were also in attendance. Authorities present wished Parenzan continued international success as a member of the Italian Defense Paralympic Sports Group.
