Feb 19 • 23:01 UTC 🇮🇹 Italy La Repubblica

Maurizio Marchetto: "As commuters, we win on skates; now let’s give everyone a rink"

Maurizio Marchetto speaks on the need for an ice rink for training in Italy amid the country's sporting challenges.

In a passionate commentary, Maurizio Marchetto reflects on the myriad of talents present in Italy amidst the challenges faced by athletes, particularly in skating disciplines. He highlights the paradox of Italy's cultural richness, describing Italians as great artists and musicians yet lamenting the lack of essential facilities for ice skating. This is particularly disheartening given that Italy has a paltry number of registered skaters compared to countries like the Netherlands, emphasizing the need for the infrastructure to nurture athletic talent.

Marchetto critiques the current state of ice skating in Italy, pointing out that there are no covered rinks available for training, which hampers the development of both speed skating and short track skating. He underlines the importance of establishing an adequate environment for athletes to practice and hone their skills. The lack of ice rinks not only affects individual athletes but also the national performance on the international stage, where Italy is struggling to compete with other countries having a more robust skating culture.

Moreover, Marchetto calls for a collective effort to build rinks and support the growing community of skaters. By investing in proper facilities, he believes that Italy can cultivate exceptional talent, much like it has in other artistic fields. The implications of his statement extend beyond sports, suggesting that with the right support, Italy could elevate its status in the world of ice skating and foster a new generation of athletes who could thrive in international competitions.

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