Atletica Pozzolengo Celebrates a Successful Year of Races and Awards
End of year is traditionally a time for assessments. The Atletica Pozzolengo, a club highly active in the field of long-distance running, also took stock and concluded their 2000 activities with a celebration.
This was done during the annual social dinner, held at the restaurant «Da Renato» in San Martino. During the evening, the president of the sports club, Silvano Buzzacchetti, summarized the past competitive season, highlighting the positive results achieved: “Years go by, and the competitive level of our athletes keeps rising, sometimes injuries occur leaving their mark for many months, yet the results never fail to come.”
“This means our athletes truly show a strong dedication to this sport made of sacrifices.” The president then referred to the initiative with elementary and middle schools, repeated for the fourth consecutive year, which saw the participation of about sixty children and their parents in a race that was not only sportive but also educational, with the aim of promoting awareness of the Pozzolengo territory.
Activities and Results of Atletica Pozzolengo
A membership cards were handed out to two new members: Bruno Paghera and Silvano Anderle. Then, on to the results. Atletica Pozzolengo took part in about one hundred races, not only in Italy, but also in Switzerland and the Netherlands, achieving 80 first places, 25 second places, and 18 third places.
The club organized the traditional «Caminada tra le vigne del Lugana» during the San Giuseppe Fair (March 19), which was attended by 2600 people, reaching its 20th edition. In July, the 7th S. Giacomo Race was held.
In August, Atletica Pozzolengo organized the 10th Trofeo Festa del Vino for Gs San Martino. These events are also included in the society’s schedule for 2001.
Distinguished Athletes and Recognitions
These are some of the athletes who most brought honor to the club: Stefano Lazzaroni, who finished first 47 times, second 4 times, and third 2 times. His most prestigious achievements include first place at the Italian Mountain Running Championship in L’Aquila on July 2; first place at the provincial level and second at the regional level in Palazzolo.
Also noteworthy are his second place at the regional championship in Pavia, first at the regional championship in Monasterolo, and first in the stage circuit in Riccione. Lazzaroni also competed in Switzerland, earning two first places and one third place.
Elio Ferrari secured three first places and two second places in five races, before a serious injury sidelined him. Among the youth athletes, Patrik Ferrari finished first eleven times, second eight times, and third six times.
Participants and Personalities Present at the Evening
Present at the event were parish priest don Pirgiorgio Mortaro, mayor Paolo Bellini, sponsors Domenico Leali from Lesa, Gianfranco Bertagna, owner of Cantine Bertagna, Paolo Tessari from Umv (Venetian Runners Union), William Faita from Hinterland Gardesano, Ferruccio Gastaldello, president of Bocciofila Pozzolengo, Franco Gaburri, procurator of Ras di Desenzano.
A delegation of runners from Monzambano was also in attendance.