The Tennis, Wheelchair Tennis and Padel Tournament organized at Matchpoint in Lecce by Team Faggiano Tennis saw an extraordinary participation on Sunday 2 June and Saturday 8 June. The event celebrated not only sporting competition but also the value of sport in promoting mental and physical health.
The Winners of the Tournament
In men’s tennis, Tommaso Suppa won the title, while Mariarita Fernicola triumphed in women’s tennis, winning the Athena trophy. Marco Nobile was the winner of the Padel tournament. In the wheelchair tennis match, Roberto Sodero (43 years old) beat Andrea Erario (37 years old), both students of Vito Greco, FITP National Master at the Novoli Tennis Club.
Roberto Sodero, a native of Tricase, enthusiastically shared: “It’s you against yourself; tennis is 90% mental. I have always been a sportsman. I have been practicing wheelchair tennis since 2018 and before then I was involved in amputee football… but in tennis a single ball can change everything”. Roberto has been using a Wilson Shift and is preparing for new tennis adventures in Europe in the coming months. Sodero, happily married, credits his family as a great source of motivation.
Andrea Erario from Avetrana reflected on the match: “It gives you a lot and takes a lot away from you; It was a good match, I could have done better, but I enjoyed it.”. Erario played with a Babolat Pure Strike.
The History of Wheelchair Tennis
Wheelchair tennis, born in the United States in the 1970s, represented a revolution in sporting inclusion for athletes with physical disabilities. This sport requires exceptional physical ability and mental resilience, proving that competitive spirit and determination can overcome any barrier.
The Importance of Sport for Mental Health
The event saw the participation of Luca “Mentalist” Capuano and the Sports Councilor of the Municipality of Lecce, Paolo Foresio. The latter underlined the importance of initiatives like this for the overall well-being of citizens, highlighting how sport can be a powerful ally in promoting mental health.
Awards and celebrations
Ivana Gallo, veteran tennis player, rewarded the athletes with medals designed by Incisoria Romano, offered by the company of Dr. Melania Duca, host of the event. The rich buffet offered by Level Up Bar Lecce concluded the day on June 2nd, with a much appreciated Pinti di Lecce pastry shop. Stefano Schifa represented Level Up Bar Lecce in the padel tournament, defending against Antonio Rodia and Giuliano Luparelli.
Launch of Aletes AI and Rebranding of Athena Mental Health
During the event, Aletes AI was presented, an advanced chatbot powered by artificial intelligence, capable of offering psychological support and guidance in understanding mental disorders. This innovative tool, previously known as Athena AI, marks an important step forward in the integration of technology into mental health.
Additionally, in the days following the tournament, Athena Mental Health announced a significant rebrand, becoming Aletes Mental Health. This change reflects a renewed commitment to “truth” and exploration in the mental health field, symbolizing a new era of authenticity and discovery for all clients.
In conclusion, the event at Matchpoint in Lecce was not only a celebration of sport but also an opportunity to promote mental and physical wellbeing, introducing innovations that promise to transform the way we understand and support mental health .
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