Speaking from Friuli Andrea Di Nino manager of the new circuit of stars “Great economic return: it would be nice to bring a stage to Friuli”
the interview
After the regular season in Naples, in November the International Swimming League (ISL) moves to Eindhoven for the play-offs. The organization of the swimming champions will always be directed by the Friulian Andrea Di Nino, who, after having won dozens of international medals as a technician with some of the greatest swimmers in the world, has held the role of managing director of the event since 2018. It is also thanks to him that Federica Pellegrini was able to greet the Italian public in an exciting and spectacular setting, receiving a tribute in grand style from the Naples public, at the end of an incredible career. Although distant from Friuli for many years, Di Nino always cultivates the dream of being able to bring to our region an event such as the ISL, which, as happened in Naples, could create a huge inducement for the territory.
The regular season in Naples was a success also thanks to the presence of great champions such as Pellegrini.
«The ISL was born from the assumption that swimming must also be a show, involving and fun; the idea is to offer the public music, lights and collateral initiatives in which the same samples who are in the tank take part. Prominent personalities such as Federica Pellegrini certainly contribute to attracting the public and activating the whole territory ».
The ISL was also the last Italian catwalk for Federica.
«Federica will also compete in Eindhoven, as her team qualified for the play-offs. He will close his career in the Netherlands. In Naples, however, he was able to greet the Italian public and it was really exciting to see over 500 flags waving with the words “Grazie Fede”. I chatted with his parents and they were moved by this participation. They told me that this was the best place to end your career. Federica has spent many years of her life in the pool, collecting very important successes. Receiving a collective embrace from an entire city that represented all of Italy at that time was truly significant: a just and proper tribute to a great champion ».
For about 3 years he left the role of coach to become a manager. Don’t you miss the poolside?
“In the beginning, yes, but I wanted to get involved in a new role. As a coach I had trained very strong athletes, won world and Olympic medals and when, in 2018, Fina awarded me the title of coach of the year, I understood that I had to take other paths. In Adn Swim Project I had already played managerial roles and I had already dealt with the management of partners and institutional relationships ».
Does he ever come back to Friuli?
«Whenever I can, from my mom Bruna. I have several friends and colleagues ».
Would you like to bring an event like this here?
«Of course, but we need a strong political and entrepreneurial will. After the success of Naples, other regions have already expressed their interest, having understood the great tourist opportunities that the event offers, even when the season is over. Who knows that one day a great event will not be brought to Friuli as well ». –
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