A milestone anniversary in Porretta Terme marked seven decades of local basketball history as regional leaders, former players, and young athletes gathered to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Sacrario del Cestista. According to local historical accounts, the commemorative events took place inside the Santuario della Madonna del Ponte in Alto Reno Terme, honoring a sanctuary dedicated to the memory and devotion of the basketball community.
History and Commemoration of the Sacrario del Cestista
The morning events opened with remarks from regional figures visiting the town for a tourism conference, including Michele de Pascale, Davide Baruffi, and Maurizio Fabbri, who toured the permanent exhibition space known as the ‘Casa della Pallacanestro’ before the official program began. According to organizers, the afternoon festivities centered on a reenactment of the historic 1956 torchlight procession that originally traveled from Bologna to the Santuario della Madonna del Ponte. In the final stretch of the relay, former Fontana Cbl athlete Paola Sintoni carried the torch. The Fontana Cbl club was originally founded by Achille Baratti—the individual who established the Sacrario—and was later acquired by well-known journalist Gianfranco Civolani.
Notable Attendees and Community Involvement
The anniversary ceremony drew numerous figures from the Italian basketball world and local government. According to event reports, attendees included mayors Giuseppe Nanni and Daniele Bertacci, former players Alessandro Abbio, Chris McNealy, and local athlete Flavio Bottiroli, alongside club presidents Antonio Galli and Andrea De David, a large delegation from Aquila Trento, and coach Stefano Michelini. Cesare Tosetti, the curator of the museum, stated that the gathering successfully linked the community’s history to its future.
New Facilities and Upcoming Tournaments
The celebration culminated in the inauguration of a new playground named ‘I Triangolini,’ which young athletes from Trottola Basket immediately utilized. Tosetti noted that seeing the children take over the court demonstrated an urgent local need for the new space. Alongside the playground opening, organizers presented a new book titled Guarda verso l’alto, published by the Casa della Pallacanestro, featuring stories and testimonies dedicated to basketball. Attention now turns to mid-September, when Porretta Terme will host the Torneo della Patrona, a national event reserved for Under 15 male athletes.
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