Page 6 - Quarterly N°3 2018 Eng

SOUTH AFRICAN EMBASSY IN ROME: NEWSLETTER

Regional relations
Regional relations

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The City of Reggio Emilia successfully hosted the 6 edition of the Tricolore Games from 6-13 July 2018.
Over 200 Youth from Gauteng Province participated in this international sporting event. They took home

over 170 medals from various sports activities that they competed in. It was indeed a proud moment for

South Africa!

Recently, on 17 July 2018, prominent leaders of various parts of the world converged at Wanderers Stadi-

um, Johannesburg to pay homage to a global icon, Tata Nelson Mandela. Former US President Barak

Obama delivered a stirring lecture to honour the legacy of Nelson Mandela. The Mission was especially

pleased to see the attendance of a high-level delegation from Italy, which included the Deputy Mayor of

Reggio Emilia, Ms Serena Forraccia.

Ambassador Shirish M. Soni attended the Anti-Racial World Championship and celebrated the Centenary of

Nelson Mandela in Castelfranco Emilia. He further strengthened relations with the City of Bologna through

constructive high-level interactions with the Regional authorities i.e the Mayor, Dr. Virginio Merida, the Pres-

ident of the Region, Dr Stefano Bonacini as well as the Dean of the University of Bologna Prof, Fransesco

Ubertini.

In addition, Ambassador Soni participated at a symbolic wreath laying ceremony for fallen South African sol-

diers killed during the Second World War, in Marzabotto at the memorial site of Monte Sole, where he was

warmly welcomed by the Mayor, Mr Romani Franchi. He also took part in in a wreath laying ceremony in re-

membrance of 409 fallen South African Soldiers who are buried at the South African Cemetery in Castiglio-

ne dei Pepoli. The ceremony included the unveiling of a monument in honour of fallen South African Sol-

diers. The Mission looks forward to the filming of a special documentary to highlight the history of the im-

portant role and contribution of South Africa which is commemorated annually in the region.

In the Lazio Region (Rome) the Mission looks forward to partnering with the Italian Athletic Federation

(FIDAL) in conjunction with the Vatican and the City of Rome, in an international half marathon titled “Run

For Peace” on 23 September 2018, which will form part of the international programme of events in honour

of the Nelson Mandela Centenary.

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