Bari is stepping up its commitment to cultural and sports initiatives, with new funding opportunities and program developments aimed at bolstering community engagement and development. This initiative is part of the local government's broader goal to support cultural vitality and social inclusion through sports.
The Department of Culture, Religions, Equal Opportunities, Communication, Territorial Marketing, and Sport has announced the publication of the ranking of entities participating in the public notice for granting contributions to cultural enterprises and associations for the year 2024. This ranking is divided as follows:
- Section I: Projects approved for funding, which received overall scores of 60 points or more, with at least 15 points for activity quality and 10 points for quantitative dimension.
- Section II: Projects not approved, scoring below the 60-point threshold or failing to meet the qualitative and/or quantitative thresholds.
- Section III: Projects not evaluable under the public notice guidelines.
According to Paola Romano, the cultural affairs assessor, "A total of 70 entities have been approved for funding cultural and entertainment activities this year. This demonstrates the significant vitality of sector operators within our city." Importantly, this year saw the budget increase from the traditional €400,000 to €570,000, signaling the government’s commitment to bolster local operators who significantly enrich the cultural offerings of Bari.
On another front, two local sports associations, Ideal Bari and New Football Academy, are collaborating to launch the Scuola Calcio Popolare, aimed at providing soccer opportunities for youth from socially and economically fragile backgrounds. Set to take place at the community sports field on Via Toscanini, this initiative seeks to engage those unable to afford traditional soccer programs.
The project, which is being supported by the Municipality of Bari, is also collaborating with the Social Cooperative Occupazione e Solidarietà. The cooperative assists youth with disabilities and will work alongside volunteer coaches from both participating associations. With the help of social services, children who may have otherwise faced barriers will be able to participate and enjoy the benefits of soccer. The initiative was introduced at the Idee center in Japigia, attended by Mayor Vito Leccese and Assessor Pietro Petruzzelli.
Further solidifying Bari's status as a sports city, the local government has received significant funding for the renovation of three municipal sports facilities. Under the Sport and Peripheries grant from the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, the city will invest €2.2 million for the demolition and reconstruction of the 50-meter outdoor pool. This will be supplemented by €2.5 million from the city's budget. The Palabalestrazzi and the Arena della Vittoria will also see substantial enhancements, with planned renovations totaling approximately €1 million and €220,000, respectively, aimed at boosting seating capacity and structural integrity.
Domenico Scaramuzzi, the city’s territorial care assessor, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "This funding is like a Christmas gift for the city." The next steps involve initiating the administrative procedures for project design and work assignment. The enhancements, particularly at the Palabalestrazzi, are expected to facilitate official competitions for local basketball teams, which is sure to energize the community's sports scene.
These combined initiatives reflect Bari’s dedication to enhancing its cultural and sports infrastructure, offering opportunities for social engagement and development, and fostering local talent within sports and the arts.
