Altropallone award for the 16th time

What do Javier Zanetti, Ivan Zamorano, Leonardo, Liliam Thuram, Damiano Tomassi, Gennaro Ivan Gattuso, Samuel Eto’o, Ivan Ramiro Cordoba and Clarence Seedorf have in common?

After hearing this question, you would probably say that the answer is ridiculously simple: all of them are famous football players who have some connection with Italy. They dedicated their life to the most popular sport in the world  and they all achieved everlasting success with their Italian clubs (and national teams as well). I’m pretty sure, that even in the furthest corner of this globe their name is being praised by the lovers of this beautiful game.

However, their great achievements on the green fields are only one part of the whole picture. The second, but more relevant thing they have in common is the award of Altropallone. An award which has the same name as my receiving foundation.

The award of Altropallone was born as an alternative of the Golden Ball, the most prestigious acknowledgement in the world of football. It draws the attention of the public to the less visible success of our modern-time gladiators; the success achieved off the pitch. In a world, where sports are guided and controlled by money and commercial interest, there are some individuals, whose aim is to help the less fortunate members of the society. Wealth, fame and success did not fade their eyes and with their hard work outside the stadiums they paved the way for a better future. I would say that they are not just champions of their profession, but they are also champions of the real life.

This year, the Altropallone award does not go to a footballer. It goes to female role model, Josefa Idem, a German-born Italian canoer, who participated in eight (!) Olympics and numerous other competitions. For years she dominated the sport of female canoe bringing dozens of medals both to East-Germany and Italy. Besides her extraordinary sporting career, she is the real champion of the humanity.

As a great pleasure, this Monday, we will participate in the ceremony of Altropallone’s sixteenth edition. It will definitely be one of brightest days of our European Voluntary Service!

Josefa Idem, see You tomorrow!