Hey, sports enthusiasts! Rome just got a taste of the Padel fever, and it’s all thanks to the dynamic duo, Andrea Samson and Anderson Good, who recently visited the city as Sports Envoys.
Joe Donnelly, the US Ambassador to the Holy See, couldn’t be happier about the collaboration with Athletica Vaticana, stating, “Pope Francis has told us all that sport can unite and include all the different groups and people from all over the world. All over the world.”
From November 13 to 17, Andrea and Anderson, American professional padel athletes, joined forces with Athletica Vaticana for an incredible experience dedicated to the Holy See, including a special meeting with the Holy Father on November 15.
Andrea Samson, soaking in the beauty of Rome, shared, “Rome is beautiful. In the first two days, we were able to tour the city and explore it. Everything is very beautiful: the streets, the food, the people are very kind. We were then able to meet the kids from the program, play Padel with them, and meet the ambassador and all the school staff. So far everything has been great.”
Anderson Good stressed the significance of the experience, saying, “It is a great honor to be a ‘Sports Envoy’ for the State Department. Something I have always believed. Something I have felt during my days as an athlete and coach: Sports are an educational medium like no other; it feels extra powerful.”
But that’s not all! Andrea and Anderson, along with the association “21 Luglio,” made a stop at the former Fienile complex in Tor Bella Monaca. Their focus? The empowerment of young women and the role of sport as a tool for social growth in marginalized communities.
From the “Villa Pamphili Padel Club” to the former Fienile complex, these Sports Envoys left an impact, promoting the power of sport in bringing people together. Rome, you’ve just been served a dose of Padel awesomeness!
