Only three years left until the 60th anniversary of the Neighborhood Relay. It was the year 1958, in fact, when a group of sixteen-year-olds from the Youth Tourist Centre, a Catholic-inspired group, with the blessing of the then bishop, Monsignor Francesco Pieri, gave life to the sporting event to ideally retrace the route taken by the Sacred Linen of Miracle, from Bolsena to Orvieto. In the evening of Saturday 1st June the announced edition 57 was painted white-green.
The eleven fractionists ofElm tree they prevailed in an exciting head-to-head with the yellow-blue team of Santa Maria della Stella made up of overtaking and counter-overtaking. The first crossed the finish line in Piazza Duomo in front of thousands of people and completed the urban route of around 930 meters in a time of 27’11″81, ahead of the Santa Maria della Stella (27’25″29). Third place for the yellow-reds of Corsica (28’09″08), fourth for the red and whites Serancia (29’19″97).
For Olmo this is the 13th victory in the long history of the Staffetta whose Roll of Honor is still led by Santa Maria della Stella with 15 victories, 14 those of Corsica. Three successes for Serancia in the shadow of the Cathedral on the lively eve of Corpus Domini which has the flavor of challenge and the enthusiasm of an entire city that finds itself cheering. An enthusiasm that, especially in recent years, has found color again. The same one who colored the little ones’ races.
Over 300 participants. Corsica won the Mini-Relay for children up to 5 years old, the Elementary and Middle School Relays. Among the greats, the absolute best time was recorded by Leonardo Giammorcaro dell’Olmo (2’25″55), among the masters the fastest was Gabriele Frescucci (Santa Maria della Stella), who had the honor of turn on the tripod, with 2’38″58, to Anna Gnagnarini of Olmo (1’06″58) the women’s cup.
In addition to the awards to these three best fractions, for the four women competing in the half fraction dedicated to them – Cecilia Rellini (Corsica), Giada Provenzani (Serancia), and Caterina Manca (Santa Maria della Stella) – also the recognition of the Panathlon Club Orvieto: a ceramic tile in memory of participation. Jonathan Spagnuolo (2’36″03), the youngest athlete – 14 years old – competing, fresh winner of the national final of the Student Sports Games in Pescara.
The “Andrea Pedichini” Award goes to Angelo Angiolillo, established last year by Olmo, and which will be awarded every year to an athlete from one of the four districts, who stands out for his sporting and human qualities and attachment to the Relay. All in memory of the figure of the sportsman, an athlete from the 1970s and later a leader, who always remained close to the team and present at all the participations, generous with technical but above all human and highly ethical advice.
Furthermore, the following lottery tickets promoted by the Citizens’ Neighborhood Committee were drawn:
– n. 0551 combined with Olmo – 1,000 euro shopping voucher at Conad Fanello,
– n. 5324 combined with the Santa Maria della Stella – smartwatch offered by the “Le Ore” jewelry store,
– n. 2170 combined with Corsica – relaxing day spa for two people in Fonteverde,
– n. 3101 combined with the Serancia – thermal wellness day spa for two people in Fonteverde.
The prizes can be collected within ninety days in Ciconia at the Fratini Dental Practice, in Via dei Fiordalisi 14.
The Relay of the Neighborhoods is organized by the Municipality with the precious collaboration of Atletica Libertas Orvieto and the frontrunners Fausto Agneni (Corsica), Mauro Bellini (Olmo), Franco Picchialepri (Santa Maria della Stella) and Luciano Fringuello (Serancia). The Municipal Administration thanks the Local Police and the Civil Protection for ensuring the smooth running of the competitions again this year and the sponsors Ire4, Fiorenzi, Vivaio Sensi and Farmacia Bonifazi.
