Argentinean padel champion visits Vatican

By Giampaolo Mattei

The Argentinian Fernando Belasteguín, considered the greatest padel player of all time, was welcomed Sunday morning at the Vatican by Vatican Athletics as part of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. World Day was established by the United Nations.

Belasteguín – with his wife and three children – met for the first time the community of the “Santa Marta” Pediatric Clinic, which helps poor families with young children.

He was welcomed by the director of the clinic, Sister Anna Luisa Rizzello, and the vice-president of Vatican Athletics, Valentina Giacometti, who stressed that the visit was particularly significant because “yesterday marked the International Day of Sport for Development and peace”.

“We all know how practicing sport can educate society to be open, supportive and without prejudice. But for that to happen, we need leaders and coaches who are not just about winning or profit. Let us promote a sport that promotes social friendship and fraternity,” she said.

Belasteguín, world number 1 for 16 consecutive years, said: “The official presence of the Vatican Federation in the world of padel is important because it emphasizes fundamental values ​​such as solidarity and inclusion through the sport and, above all, through a popular discipline like padel.”

In particular, he encouraged “efforts to involve girls and boys with disabilities and the most vulnerable people” and made himself available for future initiatives.

Last Friday, April 5, Vatican Athletics organized inclusive padel matches, involving young people with autism and Down syndrome, as well as their families.

The Argentine champion also visited the Vatican Gardens and St. Peter's Basilica accompanied by the director of Vatican Padel, Alessandra Turco, the deputy director Barbara Carusi and the secretary general Fabrizio Peloni.