ROME (ITALPRESS) – Another important award has been added to Giusy Versace’s collection. This time it is the Italian Sports Center of Teramo to confer her the “San Gabriele for Sport” award. This is the motivation: “In light of the perseverance shown and the example provided towards the younger generation and people of all ages,” during the 16th CSI Convention of San Gabriele in Isola del Gran Sasso that took place on Friday, Oct. 4, in the Stauros conference hall of the Sanctuary at the foot of the Gran Sasso. The award, established by the CSI and Passionist Fathers in 2022, was presented at the hands of Jury President Angelo De Marcellis, and in the roll of honor Giusy Versace succeeds Stefano Baldini and Massimiliano Rosolino. Interviewed by presenter Francesca Martinelli, Giusy Versace’s speech focused on the combination of faith and sport, emphasizing how faith was enlightening and gave real meaning to her deep pain. “I kept asking myself: why did this happen to me, why did I have to lose my legs, I who have always been a good person? And then all of a sudden I heard like a voice saying to me: turn the question around, why not to you? What do you have more than others? From there I knew it was time to react, to leave behind regrets and start a new life, and sport was fundamental to my rebirth, along with family and affections,” Giusy Versace explained. The award ceremony was the culmination of a day that began in the morning at the Liceo Artistico ‘Gruè high school in Castelli, in a meeting held as part of the ADSU PRO TER Project, in which Giusy told her story with her usual transport and emotional involvement before a lecture hall packed with students and in the presence of Castelli Mayor Rinaldo Seca. In the afternoon, Giusy also visited the village of Castelli and Antonio Di Francesco’s ceramics workshop and, finally, the Sanctuary of San Gabriele dell’Addolorata, in Isola del Gran Sasso, where she came across the story of the saint, referred to as the ‘Saint of Youth. “In Abruzzo, I have had several extraordinary experiences,” Giusy Versace says, “it was exciting to read and delve into pages of my book ‘Con la testa e con il cuore si va ovunquè’ with the students and principals of the Liceo Artistico Grue high school in Castelli, whom I thank for the two hours of undiscounted attention. I also thank the mayor, who guided me to discover this Borgo at the foot of the Gran Sasso, delighted my palate with typical products, and showed us the excellence of ceramic artisans, such as the workshop of Antonio Di Francesco, who dedicated some of his time taking us on a journey through his art: we must all work together to enhance Made in Italy and these excellences of small Italian villages. Finally, the visit to the Shrine of the patron saint of Abruzzo, with the guidance of the Passionist Fathers who helped me learn more about the history of St. Gabriel, the saint of young people. I sincerely thank the friends of Csi Teramo not only for the award they gave me, but for their affection and welcome,” Giusy Versace concluded. – Photo Press Office Giusy Versace – (ITALPRESS).
