On October 1st, the Consulate General of Italy in Miami, in collaboration with the Italian Cultural Institute in Miami, celebrated the second “Italian Sports Day in the World” together with two great champions admired by sports fans and enthusiasts around the world: Danilo Gallinari, basketball star with a history of championships in major NBA teams, and Alex Giorgetti, Olympic water polo World Champion and Olympic medalist.
The large audience had the pleasure of listening to the two champions testimonies and understanding their approach to sport, life, and sacrifice, and reflecting with them on the so-called transformative power of sport and, in particular on how a career as a champion can teach values such as merit, inclusion, discipline, and loyalty in contemporary society.
The conversation with the two athletes touched on many topics, from the personal challenges of excelling in their disciplines to the continuous physical and mental effort to improve more and more, or, to quote Danilo Gallinari’s exemplary words, “the constant commitment to bring out the best in oneself.”
Yesterday was a wonderful opportunity to highlight Italy’s contribution to world sport. In their speeches, Gallinari and Giorgetti both emphasized how the Italian spirit that drives them, even though they are far from their homeland, has been one of the key factors in their success. The reference to the “Italian style,” which also leaves an indelible mark in sport and is admired throughout the world, was particularly well received by the audience. This is yet another testament to how sport is an integral part of Italy’s success abroad, on a par with art, literature, design, scientific and technological research, and entrepreneurship.
During the evening, the main events that will see Italy at the center of world sport in 2026 were highlighted, such as the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Milan-Cortina, for which a video produced by the Farnesina was shown, and the Mediterranean Games in Taranto. These important events will also provide an opportunity to give our territories and our incomparable landscape and environmental heritage the prominence they deserve.
To quote the words of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani: “The lesson of sport is clear: you can only win by working as a team. Italy is a great team that grows, competes, and engages with the world just as it does in sport […]. The major events we cover are also exceptional opportunities from all perspectives, whether economic, social, or cultural.” Sport generates €24.7 billion in added value in Italy, employing over 400,000 people and contributing 1.38% to GDP. Exports of sporting goods, worth €4.7 billion, place our country among the top five exporters worldwide and second in Europe.
