Osaka, 2 May 2025 – As part of the Co-creating Cultures for the Future Week, which is one of the Theme Weekends on the official program of Expo 2025 Osaka, a major event promoted by the Italian Pavilion and the Holy See Pavilion, in collaboration with VS Academy, took place today, entirely dedicated to the universal value of sport as a tool for social cohesion, inspiration and hope.
Throughout the day, members of the public were able to attend a rich program of talks and testimonies aimed at exploring how sport can become a universal language capable of overcoming cultural, social and personal barriers. Sport was thus the focus for a profound, animated dialogue. Speakers focused on its role not only as competition, but also as an expression of solidarity, sacrifice, discipline and respect - founding values for the harmonious development of the individual and the community.
The event was hosted by sports journalist and narrator Federico Buffa, who guided the audience through emblematic stories of athletes and teams who, thanks to their example, have been able to unite, inspire and motivate others.
The morning opened at 11am with speeches by Damiano Tommasi, a former footballer and current mayor of Verona, Carol De Lisanti, an activist committed to inclusion through sport, Massimo Ficcadenti, a coach with international experience, and Alfredo Trentalange, a major figure in the world of refereeing and himself a sports manager.
In the afternoon, starting at 3pm, Andrea Lo Cicero, a former rugby player with the Italian national team, Pino Maddaloni, an Olympic judo champion, Cecilia D’Angelo, a sports manager with a strong commitment to supporting new generations, and Alessandra Sensini, a multiple Olympic medalist and symbol of Italian sailing, all gave talks.
The event, which was open to the public, offered an opportunity to reflect on the role of sport as an engine of growth and brotherhood, confirming its capacity to promote social cohesion and engender hope for a shared future.
