Mens sana in corpore sano

The games were hosted in the Villaggio Italia Camp and were organized by the GSA Commander, Colonel Cusanno. Even though the weather was terribly hot, and the sun was not kind with the people playing, everyone enjoyed the beautiful day of sports, sweat and agony of competition.
The MNTF-W Commander, Brigadier General Agostino Biancafarina, had already stated on several occasions: sport and fitness are fundamental for every soldier, in total accordance with the Latin philosophy of “Mens sana in corpore sano”.
We are with some numbers:

• A total of 79 teams (32 for soccer, 19 for relay race, 18 for tug of war and 16 for basketball)
• Of which 5 composed of only Kosovars
• 3 mixed team (Kosovars and Italians)
• 1 complete female team.

The sport day started at 8:30, with the arrival of all participants. All day long, sports and physical activities were mastered by the personnel inside Villaggio Italia. Just a brief lunch break gave the opportunity to the athletes to rest and to regain a portion of their strength.  The sports activities continued until 19:30, without another break and everyone was quite exhausted by the end of the day.  Finally, at 20:00, everyone had the chance to relax from the “hard day” by joining a big party at the Baita. For the occasion, Radio West invited the most famous Kosovar music group “NRG Band” directly from Pristina/Prishtine to manage the party. The music in the evening was the last bit of proof that July 6, 2008, was a real international day. People from all nations danced together and according to the noise, made those individuals who were sleeping, get up and have a moment of laughter!

Additionally, during the evening, there was also a charity auction in favour of the Caritas in Klina/Kline who raised a substantial amount of money for the children of the above mentioned village.

It has been an entire day dedicated to sports, joy and all the positive principles that physical activity brings. It has also been an important day focucing on strengthening relationships between all task forces inside MNTF-W and also with the people of Kosovo.