“Broadening the base of sailors by focusing on young people.” Word from Alberto La Tegola, president of the VIII Zone FIV

Since 2013 President of the Regional Committee PUGLIA – VIII Zone of the Italian Sailing Federation, Alberto La Tegola is living proof that when you do your job well you are rewarded.

Alberto La Tegola, president “quater”

The executive in fact with the conclusion of this fourth consecutive term will reach sixteen consecutive years as president of what is the largest section of the FIV in Italy. In fact, as many as 46 nautical clubs and about 10,000 members belong to it.

His secret? To be a sailor and a sportsman inside, thanks to a long personal history in sailing that led him to be first a child happy to frolic on the sea (of Salento), then an athlete with superb sporting achievements in various nautical categories, and then an executive serving the “cause”.

“I’ve dedicated my life to sailing and I’m just happy about it,” he tells the Sailing Newspaper.. In this last part going behind the desk but at the end of a long journey that was also about finding the right team. That supports me and thanks to which the results come “.

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More sailing for the “base” of youth and children, the goal

A valiant sailor, thanks to a long and fruitful sporting past in Olympic classes and a very long series of results and medals, including at Italian championships, Alberto La Tegola knows well not only all the great figures of Italian sailing, but above all what is the scenario of boating today and what are the pluses and minuses. “The goal of the four-year period that has just begun,” he explains. is first of all to work with youth and children, focusing greatly on sailing schools to grow the movement and the sports part.

Unfortunately, after the interruption of activities caused by the pandemic, youth activity goes in spurts while having a youth base is the most important thing for any sport. It allows you to have numbers and grow future fans who can take the helm of the movement and make it grow steadily.

I did my first regattas when I was 10, sometimes even saying I was 14, because the passion was overwhelming and that’s what everything is still based on. But the fire has to be kept burning, and my role in the Italian Sailing Federation is just that. That’s why we push our clubs to do youth activities and sailing school. We push them and follow them because the federal role is to help and support “.

VELA Cup Puglia and Brindisi Corfu the upcoming highlights

The state of the art of sailing in Apulia, as shown precisely by the numbers of the FIV is positive although we must never rest on our laurels and get busy. “Among the many events we organize throughout the year and not only in the summer,” concludes Alberto La Tegola., two important ones are coming up namely the VELA Cup Puglia on Saturday, May 31 at the Marina di Brindisi and the historic regatta beloved by fans not only from Puglia Brindisi Corfu, which then starts a few days later on June 8.

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Speaking of the VELA Cup, I am happy that the edition in our region has also been reconfirmed as a sailing event included in our recreational calendar, and I really appreciate it as an appointment for enthusiasts. So much so that I have always participated in the one in Brindisi as well. This year then taking advantage of the “bridge” since the Monday following the VELA Cup is June 2, Republic Day, it is also a perfect opportunity to enjoy our nautical beauty to those who come from outside “.

D.D.