by Maximiliano Crocamo
Interview: Marco Mazzaroma, president of Sport e Salute SPA; FVG governor, Massimiliano Fedriga
The regional government of Friuli Venezia Giulia and Sport e Salute, the state-owned company supporting sports initiatives in Italy, signed a memorandum of understanding in Trieste on Tuesday aimed at promoting physical activity across the region. The agreement was signed by Friuli Venezia Giulia Governor Massimiliano Fedriga and Sport e Salute President Marco Mezzaroma.
In a statement at the event, Governor Fedriga emphasized the broader social and health benefits of investing in sports. He noted that the initiative could help reduce economic, social, and cultural disparities while fostering educational development, social interaction, and a shared sense of community. “This agreement allows us to strengthen our efforts to encourage sports participation, including among workers who may find it challenging to balance professional and physical activity,” Fedriga said.
The protocol outlines several objectives, including initiatives to expand sports programs in schools with a focus on social inclusion, health, and prevention. It also aims to promote physical activity across all age groups as a tool for civic engagement, support amateur sports associations, develop sports facilities, and organize regional sporting events.
Fedriga highlighted Friuli Venezia Giulia’s natural suitability for sports, pointing to local institutions’ ongoing support for infrastructure and community organizations. He described sports as a “school of life” capable of teaching resilience, commitment, and teamwork.
The agreement also includes plans for social innovation programs using digital tools to engage younger generations, efforts to ensure equal opportunities, and enhancements to the national registry of sports facilities.
Sport e Salute President Marco Mezzaroma described the signing as both the start of a new initiative and a consolidation of existing collaboration. He noted the company’s ongoing presence in the region, including the “Scuola Attiva” program, which currently involves approximately 200 schools.
Mezzaroma emphasized that the partnership would address barriers to participation and encourage a culture of wellness through active lifestyles and healthy habits. Lorenzo Marzoli, director of Sport e Salute’s “Sport nei Territori” division, added that the company’s programs target young people to promote social inclusion and reduce isolation, while also emphasizing proper nutrition and healthy living.
Sport e Salute, which is part of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, also provides training for sports operators and stakeholders through courses, seminars, and events aimed at strengthening Italy’s national sports system.
