Italian Sport in the World Day celebrated in Kenya

(ANSA) - NAIROBI, 16 SET - The Italian Embassy in Kenya organised two events in Nairobi to celebrate the first edition of the Day of Italian Sport in the World, promoted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
    On Sunday evening, the Italian ambassador, Roberto Natali, attended the inauguration of a padel centre built by an Italian company in the heart of the Kenyan capital, handing out prizes to the winners of the first official tournament.
    "The first edition of the Day of Italian Sport in the World is an example of sports diplomacy, one of the key elements of the Italian government's strategy to promote our country internationally," said Natali.
    Today, the diplomat met Kenyan champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi, the middle distance runner who won gold in the 800 metres at the recent Paris 2024 Olympics, at the embassy. Wanyonyi, heir to a great tradition of running athletes, is trained by Claudio Berardelli, who has lived in Kenya for many years.
    Natali, receiving Wanyonyi's autographed jersey, with which he won the final in Paris, noted how there is also a little bit of Italy in the gold medal that the Kenyan athlete wears around his neck, emphasising the importance of sport as a unity between peoples after the difficult years of the pandemic and even now, with the ongoing wars.
    The ambassador added that the growing collaboration between Italy and Kenya in this area can be a key vehicle for partnership, cultural exchange and economic development. "By working together, the two nations can benefit and share resources, knowledge and talent. This collaboration not only promotes the professional and personal growth of the athletes, but also strengthens our diplomatic relations, creating economic opportunities, and young champions like Wanyonyi have the important task of attracting their peers to sport, especially considering the average age of the Kenyan population, 50% of which is made up of boys and girls under 18 years old."