“Bye Catania, see you in Denmark, in Frederishavn”. The passing of the flag to the Danish city, the next host of the World Company Sport Games in 2026, is the last act of four days of sport, aggregation, brotherhood and values in a historical moment, unfortunately, marked by war conflicts.
The fifth edition, under the aegis of Csain, therefore goes into the archive with a wealth of memories, contents and images that will remain in the mind for a long time.
The closing ceremony
Presented by Ruggero Sardo and Vitaliana Ardita, the final evening, in the amphitheater of the Le Ciminiere Exhibition Center in Catania, is a riot of music, joy, smiles, but also offers many ideas for reflection.
The performance of the boys from Asd Il Dojo, led by Maestro Cosimo Costa, in the various ju-jitsu segments (mizu ryu style) proposed, enchants. In particular, in the last one, they invite reflection and to stop violence against women. A message that proved to be global in scope given the presence of all the international delegations. The music of “Babil on suite” unleashed the desire to dance in those who were the protagonists of this edition: from the organization, to the accompanying managers, to the technicians, to the athletes.
Party, great party, for an extraordinary moment of globality with the delegations of Iran and Israel, who also shared the same emotions (they played a friendly challenge in 3×3 basketball in Piazza Battiato) as all 31 nations hosted in Catania . Today is the day to experience and get to know Catania better, many delegations will leave on Monday to return home, bringing with them the beauties of Catania, Etna and all the municipalities that hosted the races. Syracuse, Pergusa (Enna), Acireale, Maletto, Sant’Agata Li Battiati, San Gregorio, Mascalucia, Gravina, Castiglione, Linguaglossa have opened their facilities which have proven capable of hosting the matches of the 28 disciplines (plus 3 scheduled Paralympics).
Closing with running
The grand finale of the sports program was the foot race – over distances of 5 and 10 km – on the Sant’Agata Trophy route. The formula was compelling. 767 showed up at the start. There are those who competed for the final victory and those who participated just to be able to experience this last moment, enjoying the colors and beauties of the historic center of Catania.
A message of great impact was launched from Piazza Università. The photos with athletes of different nationalities together have made the rounds on social media, confirming the high socio-educational value represented by the Games. For corporate group athletes, this is an opportunity to maximize the concept of well-being in corporate welfare, increasing aggregation among employees and strengthening the brand.
There are many families who have chosen to experience this 4 days and get to know Catania and its extraordinary beauties. “Catania is beautiful”, “World Company Games very magic”.
The “inclusive” mission of the event was achieved with Colonel Carlo Calcagni who, after having run and won in the cycling race in Pergusa, in the Paralympic category, completed his extraordinary parenthesis with 8 gold medals. With him also several Paralympians who participate with great joy. It was necessary to say goodbye with a party and so it was, after a day of really hard-fought finals in which the beach volleyball titles were awarded to the Capannine. 5-a-side and 7-a-side football has found its definitive celebration, just like Over 40 volleyball, badminton, basketball and table football.
The declarations, the final balance sheet
The national president of Csain, Luigi Fortuna. “Friendship, sharing, but above all the importance of meeting again every two years for those who work in the corporate world to enhance the sport-business combination. This is the great strength of the World Corporate Sports Championship. Special thanks to Coni and Sport Salute for the organizational machinery. As a native of Catania, I am proud of what has been done in these five days.”
The WFCS World Vice President, Umberto Ilardo. “Catania, I define it as Paris. Because it is associated with some major world capitals where upcoming events similar to those we have seen on stage in recent days will be held. We hosted a large event with a very high approval rating. Everyone had fun and the races were hosted by guests of international importance. All that remains is to be happy and satisfied with what has been expressed.”
The Deputy National Vice President, Salvo Spinella, recalls the appreciation received and the return of image for “our splendid Catania”. “Not only sport but also tourism has benefited from it: I would like to thank the mayor Enrico Trantino and the sports councilor Sergio Parisi for the availability of the facilities. Thanks also to Coni, in the person of the regional vice president Enzo Falzone, and to Sport and Salute. Without forgetting the organizational staff, from those who took care of the logistics to the volunteers, Catania expresses professional figures who have the desire to make this city make a good impression”.
Enzo Falzone, deputy vice-president of Coni Sicilia, promotes teamwork: “They were intense, exciting and sport-filled days. A total of 40 locations were played. I admired the dedication shown by those who organized the event, by those who actively collaborated, by the Municipalities that welcomed us and hosted the races. It was an extraordinary celebration of sport and life, much shared since the inaugural ceremony.”
Wfcs President Didier Besseire: “With immense pleasure we have come to the conclusion of these games with numbers of a certain level. Thirty countries competing, four thousand athletes, an extraordinary setting like Catania, a UNESCO heritage site. A heartfelt thank you for the work of the organizing committee, to be praised for what it has given to our federation”.
Place: Catania
