“TERAMO, A TOWN OPEN TO THE WORLD”
BEIRUT, DAKAR, PERTH, RJO DE JANERIRO, ROMA
Cultural International Happening

Inspired by the recognition awarded to our town by the UNICEF, which in 1989, in praise of its Coppa Interamnia and declared as being: “Teramo, a town open to the world”. A recognition that was not only an award, but a true “cultural definition”, a kind of badge of which our town is rightly proud. There being very few towns that are so “open to the world” in terms of sporting/cultural merit. But Teramo is in fact unique in the national and continental context, being a true geographic locality in which it is possible to actually see the profound significance of solidarity and social spirit. So that today Teramo is a message, and a dream more than a town.

A message of peace above all, launched through the Interamnia Cup, and re-launched in July through sport with the creation of the “ideal peace team”, consisting of athletes that represent nations that have been, or still are, in conflict. A message which the Interamnia Cup aims to renew and make universal through time and practice, further expanding its inherent significance so as to enhance its potential in terms of its capacity for the joining together of people from different nations through culture. Whilst also making the best of the concrete advantages in favour of the Teramo community, through the many bonds and friendships developed over the years and the great inherent potential of such an important sporting event, which has yet to be fully realized.

A wealth of contacts have in fact been made with embassies, consulates, cultural and trade organizations, Ministries of culture, youth and tourist organizations, universities and a whole host of other organizations and bodies. Therefore in the light of this valuable network of relations and acquaintance it has been possible to plan the event, which would otherwise have been almost impossible to do. So that the project is the natural development in terms of friendship, solidarity and peace, of the experience acquired during the past thirty years, placed at the disposal of the town of Teramo, in order that the whole community is able to take advantage of the benefits and inherent potential that exists.

A dream: because before actually becoming a project “Teramo, town open to the world” was a dream. The dream of a town that has succeeded in creating its own, unique perspective within the international context of solidarity and the brotherhood of man. The dream of a town that has always wanted to speak in the language of sport, when all around it the common language was of arms. The dream of an obstinate town, a town which wants its people to be “strong and polite” and which has always wanted to raise the flag of peace, even and especially in times when it appeared to be especially difficult, if not impossible. An innocent game of handball in a square, adapted as a court, having the capacity to halt the stirrings of conflict, in much the same way as the Gods of Olympus during those early Olympics, and to replace strife with joy. The dream of a town and its commitment, adapting whole schools into youth hostels to host the players of teams from all over the world, who come to Teramo in order to fulfil their multitude of dreams.

Therefore the starting point is this original initiative which seeks to act as a tribute which Teramo aims to make to the whole world through five cities: Beirut, Dakar, Perth, Rio de Janeiro and Rome, specifically selected as symbolizing the four “corners” of the globe.