In Memoria di Nino Strano
Situated in the middle of the Ionian coast and stretching on the slopes on the Etna, Catania was the much-appreciated host of the 3rd Military World Games on 04-11 December 2003.
This baroque city founded by Greeks colonists in 725 BC was destroyed several times by the volcano’s eruptions but has managed to preserve its traditions and folklore. Its treasures include the splendid cathedral plaza, at the center of which the city’s symbol—an elephant known locally as “u liotru”—features prominently.
What best characterizes Catania are first and foremost its folklore and religious feasts, the most important of which is “Sant’Agata” day, celebrated twice a year in early February and again in August. The faithful march by the hundreds in traditional attire (the “sacco”, or bag), accompanying the saint’s relics. Also pervasive are the traditional “pupi’s” (puppets) and “caretti” (carts), manufactured locally according to age-old techniques.
In addition to its folklore, antique monuments, nice weather and colorful food, the city of Catania has sport infrastructure that was decidedly up to the event.bDespite organizational issues due to the very short time available to prepare an event of such magnitude, both the civilian and military authorities demonstrated their know-how to allow the thousands of athletes and their delegations to make an unforgettable experience.
For memory, the City of Catania replaced Madrid as the organizers of the MWG at a moment’s notice and, without the combined perseverance of our President, Colonel Gianni Gola, the Italian delegation and the General Secretariat in Brussels, the odds are that this major sport event would never have taken place.
As it is, the heart of Catania beat for seven days to the rhythm of the performances of the world’s best military athletes, competing in 11 different disciplines, and of the presence of all support personnel.
Impressive logistical support was available in all respects to meet the requirements of the 87 nations that were represented As for the athletes, they were assigned by disciplines to different hotels in and around town, which enabled them to meet with their foreign counterparts, thereby both forging bonds and building their international experience.
One of the momentous events of this third edition of the Military World Games was undoubtedly the Opening Ceremony, enhanced by the presence of all delegations on the field and by our President’s address, which attracted a lot of attention. A party followed the speeches, with as its grand finale a concert by Lucio Dalla and an astounding fireworks display. While December may not be considered the best month to produce world-class performances, many athletes showed great adaptability and abnegation to set a number of new military world records. These Military World Games were also characterized by perfect harmony among all delegations: fair play, brotherhood and Friendship Through Sport prevailed throughout the week.
The closing ceremony was another defining moment in this emotion-rich week that crowned months of untiring voluntary efforts.
The volcanic city is now back to its normal life and Sicilian folklore, but this event of global dimensions will certainly live on in its memory for a long time.
PROGRAMME HANDBOOKI NFORMATION PER SPORT
“Storico” Tratto dal Portale del Comune di Catania
Il Catania ha ospitato i 3° Giochi Mondiali Militari del CISM (Conseil International du Sport Militaire) nel dicembre del 2003.
Dettagli dell’evento in Sicilia (2003)
- Date: Dal 4 all’11 dicembre 2003.
- Località: Catania, Sicilia (assegnato in extremis al posto di Madrid).
- Partecipanti: 87 nazioni e migliaia di atleti delle forze armate.
- Discipline: 11 sport differenti con vari record stabiliti.
- Cerimonie: Cerimonia di apertura con il discorso del Presidente Colonnello Gianni Gola e concerto di Lucio Dalla.
Screeshot Pagina del Comune di Catania
Assessore allo Sport e al Turismo del Comune di Catania
Carissimi ospiti militari ed atleti provenienti da tutto il mondo, benvenuti nella bella ed ospitale città di Catania, che sono certo saprà offrirVi gli aspetti migliori delle Sue caratteristiche di simpatia e generosità! Penso sin d’adesso che dopo questi Giochi Mondiali Militari che Catania ospita con orgoglio dopo le Universiadi del 1997, con le sue tradizioni di Città attenta ai problemi della distensione internazionale e sempre favorevole anche per la sua fortunata posizione geografica che la vede al centro del Mediterraneo, al dialogo fra diverse culture, ritornerete da turisti con le Vostre famiglie per visitare l’architettura romana e barocca di cui la città è fiera, il teatro dedicato al nostro concittadino Vincenzo Bellini, le meravigliose spiagge che si affacciano sul mare Ionio ed il magnifico e possente vulcano Etna. A presto.
Nino Strano
Giochi Mondiali Militari – Catania 2003 – Comitato Tecnico Esecutivo
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