Rome, April 6, 2026 – What was meant to be a moment of sport, fun, and personal growth for the Uyba Volley Under 16 team turned into a distressing ordeal. The A1 women’s volleyball club from Busto Arsizio, fresh off winning the provincial title, was in Rome for the prestigious “XV Randazzo International Tournament 2026” when their team minivan was targeted by thieves.
Minivan Ransacked After Awards Ceremony
The incident occurred shortly before the Easter holidays. The team’s minivan, parked near the gymnasium where an awards ceremony had just concluded, was broken into by unknown perpetrators. The thieves made off with the girls’ sports bags, along with iPads used by both players and coaches.
Stolen iPads Tracked to Romani Camp, Then Disappear
Initially, the stolen iPads were tracked for several minutes to a nearby Romani camp. However, they were subsequently deactivated, vanishing from the radar of the Carabinieri, to whom the club immediately reported the theft. Of particular concern is the theft of the official team jerseys. The team is scheduled to play another match tomorrow as part of the regional championship, but without their official uniforms, they risk being unable to compete and may be forced to withdraw from the tournament.
Club Issues Urgent Appeal: “Return at Least the Jerseys”
In light of the critical situation, the Uyba Volley club has issued an urgent appeal: “Return at least the stolen jerseys so that the girls can play as they deserve.” The loss of the uniforms not only represents a significant financial blow but also threatens to unfairly sideline the young athletes from a competition they have worked hard to reach.
Carabinieri Investigate as Team Races Against Time
The Carabinieri are actively investigating the theft, but time is of the essence for the team. The requirement to wear official jerseys for matches means that without their uniforms, the players face disqualification. This incident has cast a shadow over what was otherwise a successful tournament for the provincial champions.
Impact on the Team and Tournament
The theft has undoubtedly impacted the morale of the young athletes. The focus has shifted from athletic performance to the desperate hope of recovering their essential equipment. The club is exploring all possible avenues to resolve the situation, including potentially sourcing replacement jerseys, but the immediate challenge remains significant.
This unfortunate event highlights the vulnerabilities faced by sports teams traveling for competitions, emphasizing the need for heightened security measures. The Uyba Volley community, along with local sports enthusiasts, awaits further developments, hoping for a resolution that allows the girls to continue their pursuit of sporting excellence.
Source: https://www.ilgiorno.it/varese/cronaca/pallavoliste-uyba-u16-derubate-roma-ridateci-almeno-maglie-ap3t8lx1
