Italian sport pays homage to Franco Chimenti with a gesture for eternity. In Rome, at the “Giulio Onesti” Olympic Training Center, CONI has named a street, “Viale Franco Chimenti, a great man of sport,” after the historic president of the Italian Golf Federation who passed away last October 3 at the age of 85. The ceremony, opened by the moving words of Giovanni Malagò, President of CONI, was attended by, among others: the Chimenti family, Franco Carraro and Manuela Di Centa, IOC members, the Vice Presidents of CONI, Silvia Salis and Claudia Giordani, the Secretary General of CONI Carlo Mornati, the members of the National Council of CONI, the number 1 of CIP Luca Pancalli and numerous federal Presidents, starting with that of Federgolf Cristiano Cerchiai.
Franco Chimenti, news
“We do not want to replace those who have toponymic responsibilities in this country, but at least in our home we are allowed to do what we want,” explained CONI President Giovanni Malagò. Our wish was to leave a mark for eternity for Franco. He knew this place very well, the heart of Italian sport. In front of this avenue is the great hall of the CONI Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, which Franco esteemed greatly. It is the perfect synthesis of his life: passion for sport, managerial roles but also academic and scientific part. Our entire family is there, the world of sport. I thank the president of Federgolf Cristiano Cerchiai and all of Franco’s family. It is a gesture that conveys our infinite love and our gratitude towards him”. The event was closed by the words of Ugo Chimenti. “Being here on this special occasion and in this special place is a source of great pride, emotion and gratitude towards President Malagò and all those who supported him. Dad was a great man of sport. With him the Federation achieved over 50 successes in the international field. This avenue unites his passion for sport with his commitment in the scientific field for which he received many awards. He had the reputation of being particularly severe and sparing in his judgments, but his lectures at the University were the most attended. He was able to transmit something more than the others, he established a splendid relationship with the kids. He was a great man. What he transmitted and taught us will remain forever in our hearts”.
Tennis World USA