Saturday 29 June 2024, at 10:00 am at the “Passeggiata a Mare” in Messina the press conference was held to present the event “For a wind of Peace – Giro a Vela from the Sicily” promoted by the UISP Sicilia Vela Regional Committee to bring a message of peace along the coasts of the island, hoping for an immediate resolution of the conflicts taking place in the world.
Santino Cannavò representing UISP Sicily, after having brought greetings from the regional president Enzo Bonasera, introducing the press conference, he underlined the commitment of UISP in the promotion of sport, social growth and in support of Peace in a particular context that sees 147 war situations and 57 conflicts in the world. In reiterating the important role that the Olympics have always had in protecting peace, once during the period of the games the Olympic truce was practiced to favor the action of diplomacy to seek peaceful solutions for the end of conflicts, Cannavò regretted the missed opportunity that was not seized for the next edition in Paris.
Sergio Bolignani of UISP Sicilia Vela has presented the initiative that starting from June 29th will see the Sekeles vessel, of the ASD “Fata Morgana” of Messina, sailing the waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Sicilian Channel and the Ionian Sea, landing in the ports of Palermo, Trapani, Scoglitti (RG), Catania, then returning to Messina, to invite sea enthusiasts, sailing lovers or ordinary citizens, to fuel the breath of a Wind of Peace for all populations at war by displaying the flag of peace on the boats this summer.
Andrea Nucitaof the Community of Sant’Egidio reiterated the organization’s commitment to welcoming the many refugees fleeing from war situations, citing UNHCR data which has doubled in the last 10 years for a total, in May 2024, of 120 million of people in the world.
Filippo Vinci spoke for the Messina Committee of the Italian Red Cross to underline the commitment made by the Red Crescent and the Red Cross in assisting populations that are victims of conflicts.
Carmen Cordarofor the Circolo ARCI “Thomas Sankara”, underlined the importance of peace for the poorest populations in the world who are forced to migrate from their land in search of a dignified future. In particular, she focused on the tragic situation experienced by the Palestinian people.
Rosaro Cearolorepresenting CESV-Messina, highlighted the daily role played by the many volunteers in the area on social, environmental and work issues, as a prerequisite for building peace.
Gioele Marinofor AGESCI – Strait area, reiterated the importance of scout training on peace issues and sharing today’s initiative implemented by UISP.
The Migrants Office of the Archdiocese of Messina was represented by Roberto Marino.
The president of the ANPI of Messina was present at the meeting, Joseph Martinwho reminded those present of the words of article 11 of the Constitution “Italy repudiates war as an instrument of offense against the freedom of other peoples and as a means of resolving international disputes”.
Anthony Tom Thumbon behalf of the crew, highlighted that the Sekeles (name of the vessel) were a population forming part of the confederation of the Sea Peoples who lived in ancient times in the Mediterranean basin and can presumably be identified with the ancestors of the Siculi.
After the press conference, the participants, wishing the vessel “fair winds”, handed over to the Sekeles crew the banner “FOR A WIND OF PEACE – sailing tour of Sicily” and the peace flag, to be hoisted as a sign of the commitment that we must all reciprocally ensure to maintain peaceful coexistence.
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