The Missions of Panama, the United States, and Italy organised a sports diplomacy event at the Organisation of American States (OAS) with the aim of associating a round table on Olympic values with a fencing team duel between the Italian National Sword Team and a selection from US Fencing in the run-up to the 2026 Olympics in Milan Cortina and Los Angeles 2028.
In the presence of Secretary General Luis Almagro, who opened the proceedings, Permanent Representatives, military attachés, businesses, civil society representatives, and also the Italian community in Washington, the first ever sports event took place in the majestic Hall of the Americas, the great hall of the century-old building that houses the OSA.
Ambassador Roberto Nocella, Italian Permanent Observer at the OSA, highlighted how Italian fencing, by virtue of its tradition and its prestigious Olympic medals, constitutes a point of reference throughout the world, and is therefore part of Italy's 'soft power' in the sporting sphere. He also pointed out that the upcoming Winter Olympics will be a great opportunity for Italy.
Also speaking on the Italian side were the Honorary President of the Italian Fencing Federation, Giorgio Scarso, the Coni representative in the United States, Domenico Licastro, and, with a video message, Diana Bianchedi of the Milan Cortina 2026 Foundation, which granted its patronage to the initiative.
The spectacular team duel between Italy and the United States saw the participation of the young sabre fencer Melissa Raggi and the epeeists Valerio Cuomo, Enrico Piatti, Davide Di Veroli and Gianpaolo Buzzacchino, directed by coach Daniele Pantoni. The exciting friendly match against the United States ended with the result of 25 hits to 19 in favour of the Italians, amid applause and a final embrace between the protagonists.
Based on the shared assumption that sports diplomacy can strengthen the four pillars on which the organisation rests, i.e. democracy, human rights, development and security, the three Permanent Missions of Panama, the United States and Italy made the official announcement during the event of the creation of a special informal OAS Working Group on Sport, open to the participation of other States.
Ambassador Nocella added that Italy, as an Observer Country, intends to contribute to the work of the OAS by bringing "ideas, new perspectives and positive energy to build bridges and strengthen collaboration between Europe and the Americas".
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
