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This event highlights the remarkable ability of sport to strengthen social cohesion and inspire hope for a more inclusive future. The programme is divided into two sessions.

The morning session will spotlight football as a universal language of passion and unity.
The afternoon session will broaden the lens to explore inclusive and community-driven sports such as basketball, rugby, and the Paralympic Games.

Through powerful athlete testimonials and dynamic visual storytelling, the event will showcase how sport can transcend cultural and social boundaries—fostering positive change and deeper human connections. Special emphasis will be placed on the role of football and other popular sports in community-building and promoting mutual understanding across the globe.

A special exhibition of jerseys worn by iconic Italian and international players will also be on display throughout the event.

【Reflection】
The event, born out of a collaboration between the Italian General Commissariat and the Holy See, aimed to share stories of sport as a vehicle to promote a sense of brotherhood, hope, respect, and other positive values.

The talk saw Federico Buffa, a notorious sport journalist and sport commentator, along with Damiano Tommasi (mayor of Verona, and UEFA European Champion of 1996), Massimo Ficcadenti (former Italian footballer and currently coaching in Japan), Alfredo Trentalange (former professional referee, and referees instructor), and Carol De Lisanti (a talented, young footballer).
The conversation between these figures delved into their past and their experiences, exploring how football became a powerful means in their lives to learn and to teach about values, such as the unity that comes from the shared passion for football, even across languages and cultures; the never-ending journey of self-improvement (kaisen) - so central to sports; the respect for rules, which are in place to create a safe and inclusive environment; and the virtue of working together, as a team.
Football becomes a metaphor for life itself, where joy, pain, and growth come in waves, where passion drives people to the court and sweeps them off their feet, transporting them to a space of artistry in movement.


【Post EXPO Initiatives】
The values and insights shared through this programme point to a broad range of future possibilities in international exchange, youth development, and educational practice. Sport has the power to break down barriers, build relationships, and foster peaceful, inclusive societies. Building on this foundation, we aim to expand our activities across various fields with a focus on sustainability and collaboration.
We plan to further develop cultural exchange programmes centred around sport between Italy and Japan, enabling continued dialogue and cooperation among athletes, coaches, and referees. For younger generations, we are preparing educational initiatives that will help cultivate empathy, resilience and teamwork through practical experiences in sport, in partnership with schools and community organisations.
The integration of sport and art remains a central pillar of our vision moving forward. By combining physical movement with creative expression, we can support holistic wellbeing and nurture imagination, compassion, and emotional literacy. We also envision future projects in collaboration with the Holy See that explore human dignity and social harmony through this dual lens.
To ensure long-term accessibility, the video content from the programme will be archived and subtitled in multiple languages. These materials will be made available to educational institutions, cultural organisations and the general public through in-person and digital platforms. Efforts will be made to ensure the content is inclusive, accessible, and relevant for diverse audiences, including those with disabilities and varying cultural backgrounds.
Additionally, we will continue to explore themes such as the role of referees and ethical conduct in sport. By highlighting the importance of fairness, respect and trust, we aim to contribute to a broader societal culture grounded in justice and mutual appreciation. Sport, as a metaphor for life, offers a unique stage where individuals learn to grow, connect, and work towards shared success.

With this belief at heart, we will continue to build on the programme’s legacy as we take the next steps towards a better and more connected world.

Holy See Pavilion