Le Piaggeliadi, Florence’s annual inter-schools sports competition in Florence,
will become EuroPiaggeliadi this year, during the city’s role as 2012 European
city of Sport. Young people from other cities in Europe will compete in the
Florentine event, a way of increasing relations between the countries, as well
as promoting sport.
Le Piaggeliadi was founded in 1995 to help combat juvenile delinquency
and promote sport as a unifying and essential part of education. The event has
grown steadily, from 400 students participating in the first year to 11,000 in
2011.
Competitions this year include rugby, basketball, volleyball, roller
skating, soccer, fencing and a child-parent foot race. The opening ceremony for
the games will take place on March 31 at the Mandela Forum, with Florence mayor
Matteo Renzi presiding. For a full calendar of events, see www.piaggeliadi.it (in Italian).