The third edition of the MaraTana, a running sports event dedicated to the Italian community and to be held on Sunday 4 May in Buenos Aires, was presented on Tuesday at the Consulate General of Italy.
The initiative, as Consul Carmelo Barbera explained at the presentation press conference, 'has now become a traditional appointment' within the capital's marathon scene. This is 'thanks to the numerous participation not only of the Italian community but also of professionals and 'portegnos' running enthusiasts' who this year will compete in the 3, 10, and 15 km distances.
"The objective of the MaraTana is to bring together our community in Buenos Aires in the context of what are the characteristics of Italian identity and it is an event that goes far beyond the fact of sport," said Barbera, emphasising that "the key words of the initiative are aggregation, identity, sports values, culture and solidarity".
He then recalled that this year the MaraTana was awarded a medal by the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, 'a gesture that we look back on with great pride and that encourages us to do better and better'.
Also presented was the third edition's blue T-shirt, which "has now become a collector's item for fans," said Barbera.
"Part of the proceeds from the event," the consul finally recalled, "will benefit the Community of Sant'Egidio and the important work it does here in Buenos Aires for the weakest with various activities such as the House of Friendship.
The representative of Sant'Egidio in Buenos Aires, Marco Gallo, in turn thanked the consul and the organisers of the MaraTana, announcing that during the event 'an appeal for peace will be issued to underline how this value, which is included in the Italian Constitution, is more necessary today than ever'.
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