The historic medal in Astana for Gabriele Zendron and Michela Favini is the symbol of the growth of a movement that looks to the 2027 European Championships and the dream of Los Angeles 2028
Sometimes a medal is worth more than the color it wears around its neck. This is the case of the silver won by Italy in the BC3 pairs competition of the World Boccia Cup in Astana, a result which allowed the Italian national team to get on the podium for the first time in one of the most prestigious events on the international circuit. To stop the Azzurri there was only a France in a true state of grace. Despite the regret, the silver takes on a particular meaning not only for the placement obtained, but above all for what it represents. Behind the final reached in Kazakhstan by the pair of Gabriele Zendron and Michela Favini there is in fact a path built over time, made up of planning, training, technical growth and continuous comparison with the best world realities of the discipline. For deputy coach Maria Rita Cattani, the podium in Astana perfectly summarizes the moment that the Italian Paralympic bowl is experiencing. “It is simultaneously a point of arrival and a starting point. On the one hand it represents the result of work built through constant training, meetings and careful planning of international activity. On the other it tells us that the path taken is the right one and opens up important prospects for the future”.
the work done
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The growth of the national team did not come suddenly. In recent years the Italian Paralympic movement has progressively increased its presence in international competitions, acquiring experience both on a technical level and from an organizational and strategic point of view. “The growth concerns the entire system – underlines Cattani – there is greater knowledge of the regulations, the qualification mechanisms, the competitions to be faced and the objectives to be planned. All this contributes to the construction of the results”. The silver in Astana comes after the positive signs that had already emerged at the World Boccia Challenger in Pajulahti, Finland, where the Zendron-Favini pair had won another silver. However, the result obtained in Kazakhstan represents a further leap in quality, considering the level of the nations present and the weight of the event in the world ranking.
the turning point against Singapore
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In the path that took the Azzurri to the final there was a key match which, according to Gabriele Zendron, gave a boost to the Italian feat. “The victory against Singapore, among the top seeds of the tournament, was probably the decisive moment of the competition. It gave us the awareness that we could really compete with the best teams present and from there we grew game after game.” A solidity on the pitch also strengthened by the ability to face the event without being influenced by expectations. “I arrived in Astana with the aim of giving my best and taking advantage of the opportunity to compete with some of the best players in the world. I tried to focus exclusively on the performance and face each match with serenity.” This mentality allowed the Italian pair to overcome opponents of the caliber of Singapore and South Korea, nations that have represented an absolute point of reference in the discipline for years.
the GROWTH by Michela Favini
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If for Zendron the international journey had already begun in previous seasons, Michela Favini’s story represents one of the most beautiful surprises of the Italian expedition. “The growth I am experiencing surprises me first of all – says Favini – behind these results there is a lot of work, both on an individual level and together with the team. I didn’t expect to reach certain goals so quickly, but this gives me even more motivation to continue improving”. In Astana the Italian also had the opportunity to compete in the individual competition with some of the best players in the world. “Facing opponents of this caliber made me understand precisely which aspects of my game I still need to develop. They are fundamental experiences because they allow you to grow much faster.”
the strength of the couple
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One of the most significant aspects that emerged during the World Boccia Cup was the solidity of the relationship built between Zendron and Favini. In the BC3 category, mutual understanding and the ability to face decisive moments together often make the difference. “Trust was decisive – explains Favini – Gabriele has great experience and very important technical competence. During the race we continuously support each other and this allows us to face even the most difficult situations with greater serenity”. A belief also shared by Zendron. “A very productive alchemy was created between us. The harmony on and off the pitch helped us maintain high concentration and give our best in every situation.” In the success achieved in Astana there is also the contribution of a component that is often little visible to the general public but fundamental in the BC3 category: the ramp operators. For athletes, the relationship of trust with these figures represents an essential element of sporting performance. “The mutual harmony was fundamental not only between Gabriele and I, but also with our ramp operators – underlines Favini – They are an integral part of the team and carry out a fundamental job during each race. Without this harmony it would be very difficult to obtain results of this level”. In the BC3 category the game is based on the perfect collaboration between athlete and operator, in a balance built through training, communication and mutual knowledge. Also for this reason the result obtained in Kazakhstan represents the success of a much larger group than just the protagonists on the field.
learn from the best
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One of the aspects most highlighted by the protagonists of the expedition concerns the value of international comparison. “Training and comparing yourself with nations such as Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea or Australia, perhaps even with training sessions, is always very important – says Zendron – Competitions allow you to observe strategies, tactical solutions and game methods that are difficult to find at a national level”. For Cattani too, the confrontation with the great world powers represents an obligatory stage. “Today Italy is considered with greater attention than a few years ago. We are acquiring international credibility and this is a very positive sign.”
the objectives
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If Los Angeles 2028 represents the big dream, the Italian program remains focused on the closest objectives. “We prefer to think step by step – comments Favini – The Paralympics are an important objective, but the focus must remain on the next competitions and on qualification for the 2027 European Championships”. A vision shared by CT Cattani, “the immediate objective is to consolidate the international ranking and continue to collect important points. The path to Los Angeles inevitably passes through these intermediate steps”. However, perhaps the most encouraging sign comes outside the racing fields. The Italian Paralympic bowls is experiencing a phase of growth which involves new athletes, new clubs and a greater diffusion of the discipline. “I myself only discovered this sport a year ago – says Favini – This is why I believe it is essential to continue to make it known. The more people approach bowling, the more the general level increases and the more competitive the national team can become”. The growth of the movement also passes through the contribution of athletes who, despite not having been able to take part in the last international trip, played an important role in the competitive development of the team. Among these is Mirco Garavaglia, forced to give up the latest international events for health reasons. “Mirco has made a significant contribution to the growth of our national team in recent years – recalls Cattani – At this moment the thoughts of the whole group go to him, with the hope of being able to see him again soon on the pitch and protagonist of the next international challenges. This medal is also dedicated to him”.
road to los angeles
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“The trip to Kazakhstan does not represent a point of arrival. It is rather an important stage in a path that continues to look ahead, towards the European Championships in 2027 and, further on, towards the great dream called Los Angeles 2028 – comments Federal President Roberto Favre – For the Italian Paralympic Bowl, Astana was the opportunity to reiterate the value of the entities that support the growth of the Italian Paralympic Bowl through the SIP, the Sector Italian Paralympic Federation of the Italian Bowls Federation. Among these – recalls Favre – BMW SpecialMente stands out, which supports the inclusion and development project promoted by the Federation, concretely contributing to the growth of the movement and the diffusion of the values of Paralympic sport. Also important is the collaboration between the Italian Bowls Federation and the Valle d’Aosta Region, which has launched a partnership dedicated to the development of inclusive sport in the area and the promotion of new participation opportunities for people with disabilities”.
La Gazzetta dello Sport
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