Udine, April 14th 2024 - The group of athletes from Friuli Venezia Giulia who are heading to the next Olympics couldn’t have had a more enthusiastic reception in the stadium of the team which has made their city and region known throughout the world. Among the protagonists of the event were Italian fencing icon Mara Navarria, Paralympic table tennis champions Giada Rossi and Matteo Parenzan as well as Olympic cycling gold medallist Jonathan Milan.
Before being presented to the 25,000 spectators who filled the stands of Bluenergy Stadium, those behind the "Io Sono Friuli Venezia Giulia" brand, responsible for the promotion of tourism in the region, took part in a debate on the values of sport and their bond with the territory. Since the start of the 2023/24 Serie A season, "Io Sono Friuli Venezia Giulia" has also been Udinese Calcio’s Main Sponsor in a partnership that the club are proud to promote at both national and international level. The other Udinese shirt sponsors are also prominent entities in the region: Bluenergy is Back Jersey Sponsor while the San Daniele Prosciutto Consortium is the Sleeve Sponsor.
“It's fantastic to have a region that really backs sport, one that allows me to give my best for my homeland and for those who believe in me,” declared Jonathan Milan, the Tokyo 2020 gold medallist from pitch side.
As for Friuli Venezia Giulia‘s Councillor for Productive Activities and Tourism, Sergio Emidio Bini, he stated the following: "Dedication, perseverance, passion and spirit of sacrifice are values that define the sports ambassadors of our land. These athletes are an example of the best Friuli Venezia Giulia has to offer."
"Sport plays a fundamental role in society by promoting integration,” declared Udinese Calcio General Director, Franco Collavino. “It’s a vehicle of inclusion and participation, and brings people together. In their quest for an increasingly sustainable society, Udinese wanted to make a statement, alongside the region of Friuli Veneiza Giulia Region, to the great footballing general public.”