It took place at the “Serg.Magg. C.Q.S. Marco Venezia” Sports Field of the’Air Force Academy In Pozzuoli, the award ceremony and closing of the Ludi Sportivi, which saw the aspirants of the course triumph. Aquila VI, who for a whole year will hold the Cup Challenge of Sports Facilities.
On the last available occasion out of the two contested, the “Aquilotti” secured the highly coveted trophy, demonstrating commitment, determination, and a willingness to compete that does credit to their seniority and should serve as an example to the younger courses, the Borea VI and the Centauro VI.
The ceremony, presided over by the Commander of the Air Force Academy, Air Brigadier General Paolo Tarantino, It began with the last race on the programme: the 4x1 lap athletics relay (won by Aquila VI). The packed stands were filled with support and cheers from attendees and a strong representation of the permanent staff.
The winners in some disciplines were presented with awards by:
• Andrew Howe, Italian long and triple jumper, current Italian record holder both outdoors and indoors for the long jump.;
• Massimo Parlati, technical coach of the Italian national judo team at the Universiade;
• Fabio Maresca, international football referee.
The competition, inaugurated on March 28th, saw the students participate with the utmost fairness, commitment, and adherence to the rules, competing in a chivalrous spirit across the following disciplines: athletics, swimming, shooting, football, basketball, volleyball, and sailing (in two different sailing races within the Gulf of Pozzuoli).
The current edition, which marks a gradual return to normality after the long period of the Covid-19 epidemiological emergency, has been characterised by the novelty of “Control lever”: a competition between the three participating Course Commands, who threw themselves into it years after their last participation, giving the trainees an example of how such a sporting tradition remains rich in meaning, value, and competitive spirit. To highlight the trend maintained by the Aspirant Course throughout the Tournament, this cup was also won by Comando Aquila VI.
Following the tradition started last year, this edition also saw the awarding of the ADRA Trophy (Royal Air Force Raiders) awarded to the attendee who achieved the highest score in the individual trials. The prize – a combat dagger, commemorating the heroic deeds of the ADRA Battalion – is the current distinguishing symbol of the commandos. 17th Wing of the Italian Air Force, was awarded to Cadet Giulia Vergallo of Course Borea VI.
The Academy Commander, after greeting the guests present, remarking on the desire to win, the spirit of sacrifice, and the commitment shown by the competing athletes, focused on certain aspects on the sidelines of the competition.
Firstly, he highlighted how the perfect organisation of the Games would not have been possible without the efforts of the Permanent Staff, to ensure that the athletic training of participants ran parallel and synergistically with their military training, subsequently emphasising how the values of a soldier perfectly overlap with the cardinal principles of sports disciplines.
Addressing the winners of the competition, he remarked how the brilliant results achieved by the Aquila VI Course were the fruit of the desire for redemption and the course spirit developed after the defeat suffered last year.
At the end of his speech, before officially declaring the Sports Games concluded, General Tarantino read a letter, sent by Air Force Corps General Aurelio Colagrande in the guise of Godfather of the Aquila IV Course, he turned to today's winners: “Aspiring Eagles, you have a name, you have a symbol, a tradition to honour which is called Aquila. Mine is not rhetoric, and I can assure you that the trials and difficulties you have had to overcome have added a further piece to the construction of that unbreakable bond known as esprit de corps, which will tie you together for life. We godfathers of the Aquila courses are very proud of reaching this important milestone, and I can confirm that many of us, from afar, have cheered you on, knowing that the sixth generation of the Aquila courses could be counted upon and that you would not disappoint us. Aquila, Ad Astra Audacter!.
