“Don’t listen to those who say that sport is the enemy of study”: the powerful speech of Italvolley captain Anna Danesi at the Quirinale

October 8, 2025 was a historic day for Italian volleyball: the women’s and men’s national teams received recognition from the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, at the Quirinale, on the occasion of the World titles won in Bangkok and the Philippines respectively.

Among the athletes present, Anna Danesi, Paola Egonu, Eleonora Fersino and Benedetta Sartori of Numia Vero Volley Milano. The visit allowed the champions to show off their medals, signed uniforms and the ball given to the President.

Mattarella wanted to highlight the positive example that both teams offer to the new generations: sport as a tool for training, discipline and personal growth. The President declared:

You underlined the importance of efforts and sacrifices. You are not only rewarded by the victories, but also by the message you send to boys and girls, as demonstrated by the many new members.

Anna Danesi’s speech to the young athletes

During the ceremony, captain Anna Danesi addressed the girls and boys directly, underlining how important it is to combine sport and study.

We count 281,349 registered athletes, an extraordinary number that testifies to a growing passion and makes us shout with conviction that the future of Italian volleyball can only be fantastic. And to these girls and boys who dream of being here I want to say a very simple thing: do sport, in your free time, during the day, in the evening and if necessary even at night.

And again, he continued praising the benefits of sport for health:

Don’t listen to those who say that sport is the enemy of studying, because sport trains concentration, strengthens the body and mind and will give you that determination that will also help you in school. We have many examples of volleyball champions who have managed to successfully complete their school career without ever having to choose between a dream and education.

Danesi’s speech reiterated the importance of becoming a positive role model for those starting their sporting careers. The player underlined how volleyball and sport in general can help develop concentration and manage pressure, fundamental elements both on the pitch and at school.

Sport, study and commitment: a message for the future

Danesi’s words resonate as a warning and an encouragement: sport is not an obstacle to education, but an ally in personal growth and the formation of discipline. The visit to the Quirinale represented not only the recognition of the sporting achievements of the Italian teams, but also the opportunity to promote values ​​such as commitment, dedication and teamwork.

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