On September 27, 2025, the first Taormina Sport Festival will take place in the city. Athletes, community leaders, and fans will gather to celebrate the unifying power of sport. The event will highlight both athletic excellence and Sicily’s cultural vitality.
Celebrating Talent and Community
The Taormina Sport Festival will welcome some of Italy’s most admired athletes. Guests include Gianluca Zambrotta, former Juventus, Barcelona, and Milan footballer; Olympic long jump finalist Filippo Randazzo; and Totò Antibo, a decorated international medalist. Their presence reflects the festival’s mission to honor sporting excellence while building community pride.
The Vision Behind the Festival
Giuseppe Assennato, a former track and field champion, and Cinzia Tavano, a Taormina-based lawyer, launched the project. They envisioned an event that respects tradition while looking toward an international future.
Sport is about more than just medals and competitions. It’s about community spirit, shared values, and building a healthy future together. – Giuseppe Assennato
For me, the Taormina Sport Festival is about bridging tradition and innovation, keeping our roots while opening to the world. – Cinzia Tavano
Sport as a Catalyst for Change
The festival aims to show that sport is more than individual achievement. It is also a tool for inclusion, cultural exchange, and dialogue. Organizers want to demonstrate how sport strengthens bonds between generations, inspires youth, and drives social growth.
“We believe that sport has the power to influence society, shape the future, and inspire people of all generations.” – Davide Russo, Horshare Founder
Looking Ahead
The Taormina Sport Festival will debut this September with the goal of becoming an annual tradition. Organizers hope it will turn Taormina into a stage where international sport and culture come together. Athletes, young people, and residents will share stories of perseverance and inspiration.
Although invitation-only for sports professionals and Taormina residents, the festival represents an important new chapter in Sicily’s cultural calendar. By combining athletic excellence with Sicilian heritage, the Taormina Sport Festival promises a lasting impact on the city and its community.
