Milan School Cup: Inaugural High School Basketball Tournament Engages Over 200 Students
Milan, February 25 – The inaugural Milan School Cup, the city’s first-ever 5-on-5 basketball tournament for high schools, has officially begun. This groundbreaking event has already made history, bringing together over 200 students from 20 different institutions, with more than 300 individuals involved when including staff.
The tournament features group stage matches held during school hours in school gyms and courtyards, weather permitting. The quarterfinals will take place at the Bocconi Sport Center, leading up to the playoffs. The grand finale is scheduled for May 23 at Pala Iseo, where the winning team will lift the cup.
Beyond the Court: A Focus on Mental Health and Community
Beyond the competitive aspect, the Milan School Cup incorporates an essential educational program dedicated to mental health. Organized in collaboration with the ‘Aiutiamoli’ association, this initiative includes online and in-person meetings, interactive panels during the quarterfinals, and a final project to be presented as a 120-second video story (reel).
The first educational session was held on Wednesday, February 25, with all participating schools attending simultaneously, supported by their teachers. Each school is tasked with proposing a concrete idea for the local community, with the best proposal receiving funding for implementation from the Fondazione Comunità Milano.
The project emphasizes the synergy between sports and personal development, fostering dialogue and a sense of community. The tournament also promises surprise appearances from basketball champions and former players, such as Pippo Ricci, as well as popular influencers like Sofia Crisafulli. These guests will interact with students, offering insights and signing jerseys, reinforcing the message that such tournaments strengthen the sense of ‘we’ within the school community.
The Visionaries Behind the Tournament
The Milan School Cup is the brainchild of Francesco Moretti and Luca Pieragostini, 19 and 20 years old respectively, both students at Bocconi University. They successfully brought together various partners, sports clubs, associations, and sponsors to make this event a reality. A key decision they maintained was to ensure complete gratuity for both schools and participating players.
Tournament Structure and Key Dates:
- Participants: 20 high schools, over 200 students (300+ including staff)
- Format: 5-on-5 basketball
- Group Stages: Held in school gyms and courtyards during school hours
- Quarterfinals: Bocconi Sport Center
- Playoffs: Weekends
- Grand Finale: May 23, Pala Iseo
- Educational Program: Mental health focus, in collaboration with ‘Aiutiamoli’ association
- Community Project: Schools propose ideas for the territory; best idea funded by Fondazione Comunità Milano
The Milan School Cup represents a significant step in promoting sports, education, and community engagement among high school students in Milan, promising a dynamic and impactful experience for all involved.
Source: https://milano.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/26_febbraio_25/milano-school-cup-il-primo-torneo-cittadino-di-basket-5-contro-5-tra-le-scuole-superiori-piu-di-200-studenti-in-campo-69cd83ef-4a70-4a92-bc5d-e5336ab3fxlk.shtml
