Teramo, a city open to the world – UNICEF 1989

The social impact of the Interamnia World Cup emerges in its full potential as a great celebration with an international spirit, dedicated to the entire multiethnic population gathered in Teramo—in the name of participation, sharing, inclusion, and friendship. It is undeniable that sport plays a crucial role worldwide in building bridges for peace and brotherhood among peoples, as the Olympics continue to demonstrate, and as Interamnia has proven over the years through a series of small but meaningful “revolutions.”

"Towards a new world" is the slogan that has accompanied the tournament for many years, representing the goal that goes hand-in-hand with sports promotion. More than that, it gives depth, value, and uniqueness to the event—expressed through specific projects alongside the Interamnia Cup and carried out in collaboration with local associations and NGOs. In this way, Teramo has hosted, even during times of international tension, teams from Lebanon and Israel, Iran and Iraq, Bosnia and Serbia, China and Taiwan, and Tibet—with athletes from conflicting nations playing side by side on the Team for Peace, still remembered fondly by many citizens of Teramo.

And from Teramo, a pact was launched—signed by representatives from around the world gathered for the sports event—committing to positive actions in support of peace development, each in their own country. This initiative was inspired and strengthened by the voices, pleas, and critiques contained in a message from the youth of the Cup to the world leaders of the G8 summit, held in L’Aquila after the devastating earthquake of 2009.

If even a simple sporting event can convey the highest values of unity and brotherhood, of fair competition and cultural exchange, it is a source of pride that inclusion and solidarity are not mere rhetoric or empty words at the Interamnia World Cup and in the city of Teramo. Because the young people who celebrate together after a victory—or cry over a defeat but ultimately shake hands and embrace—are still the most beautiful image the world can give of itself.