Theft and Vandalism at Ritiro Gym Leaves Castanea Basket Club in Turmoil
The recent raid at the Ritiro gym has sent shockwaves throughout the city, with the Asd Castanea Basket club directly affected by the incident. The carabinieri of the Messina Centro Company, specifically the Giostra Station, are diligently working to uncover the perpetrators behind this grave act and bring them to justice.
The theft occurred Monday night, leaving the basketball club with significant damage to the water system and missing items. “We are disheartened, because we believe that such a structure, which stands in a ‘difficult’ urban context, should be seen by the community as something to be protected and not vandalized,” the club expressed in a statement.
The gym has been a hub for various activities, including basketball, basking, dance, skating, karate, and parish groups, providing a sense of inclusion and entertainment for all. The stolen items and damages amount to thousands of euros, not to mention the harm caused to an electrical substation that the club had deemed dangerous.
In response to the incident, the Asd Castanea Basket is seeking help from local institutions, law enforcement, and community members. They are urging for solid support and intervention to prevent future acts of vandalism and ensure the safety of their facilities.
The V Municipality Council will convene a meeting with councilor Massimo Finocchiaro and the club’s management to address the security concerns and facilitate the continuation of sporting activities in a peaceful environment. The CISL Messina has also expressed solidarity with the club, condemning the senseless act and calling for increased presence of authorities in the area.
As the investigation unfolds, the Asd Castanea Basket remains resilient, embarking on recovery efforts to resume their activities. The city stands in solidarity with the club, determined to overcome this setback and uphold the values of sportsmanship and community spirit.