IT26 CC BUILDING BRIDGES, CONFERENCE CONNECTING CULTURES THROUGH DIALOGUE AND SPORT

The activity took place during the Congress week at IIS G. Romani, in the form of a round table discussion entitled “The Values of Sport”, involving Erasmus students, local students, and distinguished guests from different backgrounds. The speakers included Olympic champion Alessandra Montesano, Don Samuele Bignatti, a Catholic priest engaged in ecumenism and interreligious dialogue, and Imam Agostino Gentile, head of the Islamic Centre of Castelnovo Sotto.

The discussion focused on the key values of sport, such as fair play, responsibility, commitment, and personal challenge, as well as on the impact of sports participation on young people, including the development of a sense of belonging, the ability to overcome limits and fears, and opportunities for socialisation. At the same time, the debate also addressed challenges such as performance anxiety and pressure.

Students played an active role by asking questions, interviewing the guests, and sharing their own experiences. The dialogue also explored how different communities, including Catholic and Islamic contexts, support young people by offering spaces for growth, expression, and inclusion. The activity created an open and respectful environment in which students could reflect on both success and failure as essential parts of personal development. The experience was very touching and engaging for the involved students.

The activity strengthened students’ awareness of sport as a space for universal values and intercultural dialogue. Students developed confidence in expressing their ideas, asking questions, and engaging respectfully with different perspectives. The exchange with guest speakers enriched their understanding of the social and educational role of sport, highlighting its importance in fostering inclusion, resilience, and community. The experience contributed to building a reflective and open-minded attitude towards diversity, dialogue, and shared human values.