MILAN - Following the press conference on Saturday 5th May, the second edition of the Winners Cup officially opened. It’s the football tournament for various sectors related to paediatric cancer treatment and hemo-oncology with over 250 young people taking part in the event at the Suning Development Centre in Memory of Giacinto Facchetti.
The initiative is supported by FC Internazionale Milano’s Global Main Sponsor Pirelli and coordinated by the CSI Milan Committee (Italian sports centre) and it was born thanks to SIAMO (Società scientifiche italiane Insieme per gli Adolescenti con Malattie Onco-ematologiche). It’s also supported by FIAGOP (Società scientifiche italiane Insieme per gli Adolescenti con Malattie Onco-ematologiche) who work year-round at children’s cancer units across Italian hospitals.
The presentation of the tournament featured CEO Alessandro Antonello and Vice-President Javier Zanetti representing the Nerazzurri along with Youth Sector Director Roberto Samaden. Also present were the Under-19 players Manuel Lombardoni, Xian Emmers and Matteo Rover for the draw.
"For Inter, it’s a great source of pride to be involved with a tournament of such great substance. There are lots of champions here, it will be an exciting day and one of great values," said Javier Zanetti.
The Nerazzurri’s CEO Alessandro Antonello also wished to offer his thoughts to all those taking part. "We’re learning a lot, first of all about the true value of life. We hope that this tournament can keep growing and have a wider reach over time. The key aim is that everyone can have fun and enjoy a moment of calm."
"As the Director for the Youth Sector, I know how important it is for young people to grow off the pitch as well. The Winners Cup is a great example for all. The guys here are examples of the great strength of the soul and how the world of sport allows them to feel fulfilled. Football is even more beautiful when it’s a vehicle for all of this," added Roberto Samaden.
Finally Chief Sustainability and Risk Governance Officer at Pirelli Filippo Bettini also spoke. "For us, it’s a pleasure and an honour to be here. We’ve frequently supported Inter with these social projects that give space to young people and allow us to be close to them."
