Captain Pilot Gold Medal Umberto Oriolo was remembered on the occasion. On Thursday, 13th September, in the presence of Air Brigadier General Paolo Tarantino, representing Air Division General Umberto Baldi, Commander of the Air Force Schools / 3rd Air Region, the XIII National Meeting “City of Bari” was held at the “Bellavista” Training Field in Bari. It was dedicated to Captain Umberto Oriolo, a pilot instructor from Bari who, on 16th June 1994, while flying over Melpignano (Lecce) with trainee Sergeant Paolo Ceccato, with the highest sense of duty, heroically chose not to parachute out to prevent his malfunctioning jet from crashing into the inhabited centre.
General Tarantino, who was on the same course as Oriolo (Grifo IV), after extending a warm greeting to all the authorities present and heartfelt thanks to the Oriolo family, stated in his speech: “On this day, we must find the elements that truly make us understand to whom this event is dedicated. Umberto was an extraordinary man with unparalleled generosity, charm, and helpfulness. It is no coincidence that numerous initiatives are dedicated to his memory, as his character spontaneously brings together beautiful thoughts and ideas.”.
The opening ceremony of the Meeting was attended by Captain Oriolo's parents, the Deputy Mayor of the City of Bari Pierluigi Introna, the Regional President of CONI Angelo Giliberto, the Regional President of the Italian Athletics Federation (FIDAL) Giacomo Leone, the President of the Air Force Association – Bari Section, Brigadier General Domenico Chirico, and the President of the Melpignano Municipal Council, Diego Blasi.
Athletes from clubs across Italy and a representation of the Italian Air Force, all serving at the Vigna di Valle Sports Centre, participated in the competitions.
The performance in the 100 metres by 1st Airman Chief Jacques Riparelli should be highlighted. Not only was he the winner in his specialty, but he was also awarded the prize for the best technical performance of the Meeting.
The National Meeting “Città di Bari”,.
