Pope Francis received a delegation of swimmers in the Vatican on the occasion of the traditional Rome meet Trofeo Sette Colli. The delegation was headed by LEN and Italian Swimming Federation President Paolo Barelli and included some of the brightest stars like Olympic champion Sarah Sjostrom (SWE), Ranomi Kromowidjojo (NED), Gregorio Paltrinieri (ITA) and Chad le Clos (RSA).
In his speech LEN and FIN President Paolo Barelli emphasised that รขโฌลthe presence of the Italian and international swimming family in this magnificent hall is particularly moving for all of us, who are here in representation of the 1000 participants at the Trofeo Sette Colli who will symbolically unite the whole world in between the lanes of the Foro Italico.รขโฌย
Mr Barelli spoke about the values uniting the swimmers around the world. รขโฌลHoliness, we sportspeople, all speak the same language; we share the same values: the development of mankind, reciprocal tolerance which grows into meaningful solidarity and sustainment, the vanquishing of all barriers, the building of all bridges.รขโฌย
He added, รขโฌลwe come from all the Continents, to give witness of the world we wish to see. We will always remember that a year ago quoted the words of San Francesco dรขโฌโขAssisi and to this Holy Father added a thought we all share: รขโฌหWater is life, no life exists without water.รขโฌโขรขโฌย
President Barelli thanked Pope Francis for receiving the swimmers in the Vatican. รขโฌลYour attention strengthens our intentions further; the Blessing we plead you for will further encourage us to follow the road leading us to the values of the faith, of sport and of solidarity amongst peoples.รขโฌย
In his message, the Pope began with the following thoughts: รขโฌลLike any sporting activity, if practiced with loyalty, swimming becomes an opportunity for formation in human and social values, to strengthen the body together with character and will power and to learn how to know and accept each other as companions.รขโฌย
He noted that apart from achieving technical results, swimmers also offer a testimony of discipline, healthy competition and teamwork. They demonstrate that goals can be reached through training efforts that call for great commitment and also sacrifices. รขโฌลAll of this,รขโฌย the Pope said, รขโฌลis a lesson in life especially for your peers.รขโฌย
While hailing the importance of teamwork, His Holiness also devoted thoughts to other aquatic disciplines like water polo and synchronised swimming. In this regard, the Holy Father recalled Noemi Carrozza, the 20-year old star of the womenรขโฌโขs synchro team of Italy who died in a road accident in Rome on June 15. The Pope said he prayed for her and her family.
Stressing that the language of sports is universal and easily reaches new generations, Pope Francis encouraged the swimmers to รขโฌลsend positive messagesรขโฌย through their activity, thus รขโฌลcontributing to improving the society in which we live.รขโฌย
Press release from LEN, photos courtesy of Giorgio Scala/Deepbluemedia
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