Florence ‘All Stars’ Play for Tradition & Charity

 

The eighth edition of the All Star Game Florence began on July 7 and will continue through July 13. This event combines assorted sports with Florence’s established traditions to create an athletic spectacle at Piazzale Michelangelo.

The All Star Game involves the four historic neighborhoods of the city. Florence’s districts are divided into Santo Spirito (white), Santa Croce (blue), San Giovanni (green) and Santa Maria Novella (red). The teams participating in the sports will represent these districts by wearing their colors. The game features mainly basketball and beach volleyball. The event will also include a non-competitive race, pickleball,  a variety of dance styles and a plethora of other athletic activities. 

Depending on the day, the games will begin at a different time. On July 8, 10, 11 and 13, the basketball portion of the event will begin at 10 a.m. On July 9 and 12, the festivities will begin at 7:30 a.m. with a yoga event. The games will conclude every day at 10 p.m. For further information about the programs, see the All Star Game’s Facebook Page. 

The event began in 2015 because the founder of the project, Tommaso Paoletti, wanted to host a competitive outdoor basketball game in one of the most scenic areas in Florence. The All Star Game now features 67 beach volleyball teams, 83 3×3 basketball teams, and over 100 volunteers during the seven-day-long event. Paoletti describes the game as a love letter to Florence and American basketball. 

This year, the All Star Game is paying tribute to the Tommasino Bacciotti Foundation with a fundraiser on July 11, which they call “white night.” The foundation was founded in 2000 in memory of Tommasino Bacciotti, a child who died of a brain tumor. Today, the foundation works to support the families of children in the Meyer Children’s Hospital. The foundation provides housing, food and mental health support, among other necessities to the families. They also work diligently to fundraise for further scientific research on childhood cancer.

The All Star Game is a celebration of Florence and its historic environment in one of the most scenic areas in the city. Furthermore, it showcases an important charity that strives to help those in need. (Mia Schaeperkoetter)