Flooded fencing gym causes uproar in Cremona
CREMONA – At the fencing gym in Cremona, the athletes are used to facing challenges and opponents head-on. But recently, the real knockout thrust has come from the building next door, where a mortuary is set to be built. The storms of recent days have caused havoc in the Red Cross square, flooding the headquarters of the Academy of Arms named after Gino Belloni, the first athlete from Cremona to participate in the Olympics in 1912.
The Academy, founded in 1835, has faced significant internal damage due to the flooding. President Angelo Garioni expressed his frustration, stating that there were two centimeters of water on the ground, the electrical panel was out of order, and lessons had to be missed. The damage is estimated to be around 10 thousand euros, impacting the 35 members, including about fifteen children who are part of the Academy.
The building where the Academy is located is owned by the Municipality of Cremona, and despite being on loan for use since 2019, it has not received the necessary maintenance. Garioni explained that the neighboring construction work had added to their woes, as the roof of their century-old building lacked proper protection against infiltration.
Efforts to address the issue with the property owners and the Municipality have been met with delays and inadequate responses. Garioni highlighted the urgency of the situation, as the flooding not only damaged the physical space but also the historical documents and equipment essential for their training activities.
The Academy is now facing the daunting task of repairing the damages, estimated to be between 8 and 10 thousand euros. Garioni expressed his frustration at the lack of response from the other parties involved and vowed to take action to ensure the necessary repairs are made promptly.
As the weather forecast predicts more rain and thunderstorms, the Academy of Arms in Cremona is bracing for further challenges, both on and off the fencing strip. The athletes and members are standing in solidarity, determined to overcome this setback and continue their pursuit of excellence in the sport of fencing.