Milan, January 9 – The ‘AtleticaMENTE’ exhibition, a compelling narrative on the ‘Dual Career’ program, has been extended until March 31, 2026, at the University of Milan-Bicocca. The exhibition, promoted by the university, showcases through photographic art the journey of 16 student-athletes who successfully combine their demanding athletic commitments with their academic pursuits.
Stories of Dedication: Balancing Sports and Study
The exhibition highlights the university’s commitment to providing benefits and services that enable students to reconcile their athletic and academic lives. Federica Picchi, Undersecretary to the Presidency of the Lombardy Region with responsibility for Sport and Youth, expressed her gratitude to the University of Milan-Bicocca for creating an exhibition with such strong educational and inspirational value.
“I thank the University of Milan-Bicocca for having conceived and promoted an exhibition with strong educational and inspirational value,” stated Picchi. “It speaks to young people through the language of photographic art, telling authentic stories of their peers who have chosen to dedicate themselves to competitive sports without giving up their academic path.”
Visual Narratives: Athletes in Academic Settings
The photographs symbolically depict students practicing their sports within classrooms and academic spaces. One such image features Francesco Cavallotto, a footballer for Ac Crema 1908 and the Italian blind football national team, who graduated with honors in biotechnology from Bicocca University. He is pictured in a chemistry laboratory, symbolizing his dual commitment. Another striking image shows Simone Carnevale, a pitcher for the Italian U23 Baseball National Team, in a science classroom, reflecting his field of study. These powerful images underscore the possibility of achieving both a university degree and success in competitive sports.
Lombardy Region’s Commitment to Dual Careers
The Lombardy Region is actively involved in supporting the reconciliation of study and sports activities. Picchi highlighted the ‘Talento’ scholarship project, for which she thanked Fidal Lombardy, and the initiation of the first regional table of CUS (University Sports Centers).
“I will never tire of reminding how much sport contributes to improving concentration and, consequently, academic results,” Picchi emphasized. “This is demonstrated by the many stories of champions who have obtained their degrees with top marks.”
Featured Student-Athletes
The ‘AtleticaMENTE’ exhibition, through a series of images taken on the university campus, beautifully illustrates the harmony between study and sport, mind and body. It brings to light the passions, ambitions, and determination of the young athletes portrayed. Among them are:
- Riccardo Sbertoli (volleyball player for the Italian national team, studying Business Economics and Administration)
- Pietro Zazzi (skier, newly graduated in Tourism Sciences and Local Community)
- Silvia Venturini (rafting champion, studying Environmental and Territorial Sciences and Technologies)
- Irma Caldara (figure skater, studying Sociology)
Each athlete is photographed with a symbolic element of their discipline, emphasizing their identity and connection to their sporting journey. A descriptive panel accompanies each portrait, indicating the course of study, the practiced discipline, and a short phrase chosen by the student. The Dual Career program, launched in the 2021-2022 academic year, has already engaged over 80 student-athletes.
A notable quote from Nelson Mandela featured in the exhibition states: “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that few other things do. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can bring hope where once there was only despair.”
‘Talento’ Scholarships: Supporting Future Champions
The ‘Talento – We train tomorrow’s champions’ initiative is an agreement between the Lombardy Region and Fidal (Italian Athletics Federation) Lombardy. It offers scholarships to young people aged 15 to 23 who are Fidal members and not part of military bodies. This agreement has increased the contribution from 40,000 to 60,000 euros compared to the previous year. The initiative aims to enhance and support Lombard student-athletes in their sporting and personal growth. The scholarships will be used to support sports activities, cover treatment in case of injury, and finance participation in international competitions for the most deserving.
Source: https://www.lombardianotizie.online/atleticamente-mostra-milano-bicocca/
