The emerald grass of the competition ground, at Villa Borghese, yesterday also hosted the presentation of the 91st official international horse show in Rome “Master D’Inzeo” (22-26 May). In the historic oval of Piazza di Siena yesterday, in addition to journalists, the leaders of Italian institutions and sport were present, starting with the sports minister Andrea Abodi who, given the path of development and relaunch of the sporting event and the environmental context in which is inserted, immediately launched a new idea:
“The time has come – said Abodi – for a foundation that allows Villa Borghese to be managed on a daily basis: a participatory foundation could be an excellence in the world”.
An offer, that of the Minister to the Municipality of Rome, arrived knowing already that Mayor Gualtieri has a positive interest in the matter. This was echoed by the president of Coni, Malagò: “Piazza di Siena is a successful bet, thanks to everyone: Fise, Sport and Health, the Lazio Region, the Municipality and Onorato councilor”.
And Marco Mezzaroma, president of Sport and Health, confirmed: “Teamwork, therefore, to take care of Villa Borghese, before, during and after the event. This makes us proud, and over the years the appeal of Piazza of Siena in Italy and abroad has gradually increased”.
An adventure that for 91 springs has continued to attract the best riders and horses in the world, because competing in this magical place, as the greatest in the history of equestrianism have done, is a consecration in the sporting Olympus.
“This year – announced the Fise president, Marco Di Paola – in the Intesa Sanpaolo Nations Cup (scheduled for Friday 24th, ed.) we will have pairs from Australia and the Middle East, North and Central America. In the individual races, including the Rolex GP Rome (Sunday 26th) we will have 18 flags represented, and 5 of the top 10 riders on the computer list”.
It is the Olympic year and Piazza di Siena will be a “stellar” testing ground in view of the Paris Games, just two months away.
The Italian coach Porro has called up 27 riders, of which 5 for the Cup, as already reported by our newspaper.
Last year, after a hard-fought barrage, Italy had to settle for 2nd place, this year they are back in charge. To try to conquer Piazza di Siena.
