Genoa, Sala di Rappresentanza, Municipality of Bassa Val Bisagno. The stage is set, the lights are on, and the audience is waiting. It’s April 7, 2025, and the 2025 Sports Gala has proven to be one of the most anticipated events of the year, an evening dedicated to celebrating the passion, effort, and sacrifices of athletes who, in 2024, brought glory to the Val Bisagno region. This year’s edition was special, with local talents triumphing in a wide range of disciplines, from swimming to athletics, dance to football.
Francesco Libello, the councilor for Val Bisagno, took the floor to kick off the event, praising the athletes for their incredible dedication. “Every year, these athletes put their heart and soul into what they do,” he said with pride. “They are the face of a Val Bisagno that never stops, that fights and commits without ever backing down. Today, we celebrate them, but it is they who teach us every day that only through consistency and sacrifice can great results be achieved.”
Libello’s words echoed through the hall, creating an atmosphere of pure emotion. And the awardees, true protagonists of the night, did not disappoint. Each one took the stage not only with a trophy in hand but with the recognition of those who understand the tremendous effort behind every victory, every medal, every triumph. 2024 was a year of conquests for Val Bisagno’s athletes, who made their mark not only in Italy but also abroad, reaching unimaginable heights across a variety of sports.
Among the most emotional stories of the evening were those of athletes who, through immense sacrifice, managed to surpass their limits, bringing the spotlight to their region on both the national and international sports scene. The Gala was a tribute to the quiet work of those who train, suffer, but never stop believing in themselves. Behind these successes stand the local sports associations, which are crucial for the growth and development of our champions. Libello made sure to thank those who, day in and day out, dedicate their resources to helping these young athletes rise.
Pietro Fugazza, Rosario Valastro, Riccardo Persano, the “Balla col Sorriso” Dance School, Marco Boz, and Riccardo Della Godenza: these are names that, though little known to those outside of Genoa’s sports community, are true legends in the local area. These individuals, who seek no spotlight but only the well-being of the community, were honored for their ongoing commitment to supporting young athletes, nurturing not just the body, but also the mind.
And of course, the evening would not have been complete without a touch of spectacle. The artistic performances by Marco Boz and Riccardo Della Godenza brought elegance and grace to the night, leaving the audience breathless. Dance and music merged with sports, creating a perfect combination that elevated the value of an event that is, year after year, more than just an awards ceremony—it is a celebration of community spirit.
The second edition of the 2025 Sports Gala was not just an evening of awards. It was a true life lesson, an anthem to sacrifice, perseverance, and passion. Above all, it was a celebration for Val Bisagno, which proudly saw its champions shine on the world’s most prestigious sports stages. This event not only looks to the past but, more importantly, to the future, showing everyone that in Genoa, there is a talent that never stops. And who knows, in the years to come, those names that are barely known today may become symbols of an entire generation.