Over 3000 students were lucky enough to have the opportunity to ‘meet’ two exceptional athletes and two personnel who made history in their sport, tennis and beyond. This time it was Andre Agassi (remotely connected) and Steffi Graph guests at the Palazzetto dello Sport in Cuneo thanks to the dedication of CRC Foundation who organized the fifth edition of the ’Dialogues on talent’ initiative, previously hosted by Kerry Kennedy, Paolo Nespoli, Andrea Bocelli and Pep Guardiola in the 2023 edition, organized by the CRC Foundation in collaboration with Collisioni.
A very special morning for all those present, spent in the company of ca pair of champions in the history of tennis and a couple in life, since they had a relationship at the end of the nineties that was then celebrated with marriage in 2001. For a great location and an opportunity to retrace the main moments of their career. with a particular eye on their relationship with Italy. In such a unique and special moment of the ATP Finals hosted in Turin with Jannik Sinner among the main expected protagonists.
A day that began with the introduction of the President of the CRC Foundation, Mauro Gola and the story of the gifted experiences of the Simone Bongiovanni, heart and soul of I Tennis Foundation, and Luca Paiardi, former Italian wheelchair tennis champion and documentary maker with the project Around the World Viaggi Italia.
During the meeting, led by our Alberto Brandi, they were moved by reviewing the images of their careers. Especially when scrolling the videos of the videos at respectively inducted into the Hall of Fame: in 2004 that the German tennis player (introduced by a memorable speech by Andre) and in 2011 by Agassi with the kind words thrown at his father Mike, criticized a lot in the biography “Open”.
A meeting and press conference where Stefy Graf openedmy real career with satellite tournaments at the age of 13 in Bari, Lecce and Brindisi. And I don’t forget the great victories at the Rome Internationals.” To Steffi Graf, who prompted questions from journalists and guests, who offered a broader reflection on young people, sport and new technologies: «I see my kids growing up with technology, it becomes so tiring to have a healthy balance and that’s why sport is important. We need to grow up with sport, move away from screens, from mobile phones, from all the things we rely on today.”
During the ATP Finals in Turin and after the dominant months of Jannik Sinner, Agassi himself, after watching the video of the ceremony awards for the US Open that he won, also honoring Sinner’s victory, throwing significant words at the champion Italian: «I love him, it is easy to get along with him because he is a very interesting person. Jannik hits the ball perfectly, he gives you that feeling of perfection that I’ve always been looking for too.” Also because there is a basic thread and figure that unites Agassi and Sinner or Darren Cahillthe coach who was the architect of the climb up to number 1 in the ATP rankings for the Americas, an achievement and journey repeated and replicated also by our Jannik Sinner, which Agassi emphasized: «Cahill always has the right words on right time He is definitely the best coach along with my other coach Brad Gilbert.”
«It was a privilege to host Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi, two of the greatest tennis players of all time – he emphasized Mauro Gola president of the CRC Foundation. «These meetings represent important opportunities to focus on the subject of talent, with the aim of encouraging, encouraging and supporting our young people to develop their abilities. The CRC Foundation recognizes the strong educational value of sport, a great tool for growth, to find talents and to accept oneself, giving the best of oneself to the community. A central objective for the CRC Foundation and the philanthropic bodies founded by Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi.”
As highlighted, the event was then enriched by the presence of Luca Paiardi, the Italian wheelchair tennis champion, and the young talents who participated in the projects of the I Tennis Foundation, the Italian charity founded Simone Bongiovanni: «We created this association to give an opportunity to those who don’t have one, said Bongiovanni -. In recent years, with the Intesa Sanpaolo Assicura Small Tennis Champions project, 12 very young Italian talents from 2008 and 2009 have grown in the final round, who have been offered a concrete opportunity for redemption and evaluation. The results achieved
The day then ended with a visit to the Rondò dei Talenti and then to the Country Club of Cuneo, where Steffi Graf, champion of 22 Grand Slam titles, took to the court and crossed the racket with the children of the tennis schools on the . province of Cuneo and with the talents of the I Tennis Foundation.
Time.news Editor: Good day and welcome to another insightful segment of our interview series. Today, we are honored to have with us Mauro Gola, the President of the CRC Foundation, which recently hosted a remarkable event featuring tennis legends Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf. Mauro, thank you for taking the time to join us.
Mauro Gola: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss our event and the impact it had on the young audience.
Time.news Editor: Over 3,000 students had the chance to meet these iconic athletes. How did this event come about, and what was its overarching goal?
Mauro Gola: The ‘Dialogues on Talent’ initiative has been a passion project for the CRC Foundation. Our goal is to inspire young people by connecting them with exceptional individuals from various fields. Bringing in Agassi and Graf was about sharing their expertise and experiences, which we believe can greatly influence the next generation.
Time.news Editor: It must have been an unforgettable experience for those students. Can you share some specific highlights from that day?
Mauro Gola: Absolutely! The entire morning was filled with memorable moments. Having Andre participate remotely added an intriguing twist, especially as he and Steffi reviewed their career highlights together. We also saw them get emotional reflecting on their journeys, particularly their inductions into the Hall of Fame – those moments were truly touching.
Time.news Editor: I can only imagine! Steffi Graf shared some personal stories about her early career. What insights did she provide regarding youth and technology?
Mauro Gola: Steffi’s reflections are particularly relevant today. She emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy balance in life, especially for children growing up surrounded by technology. Her message that sport can provide an essential escape from screens resonated strongly with everyone present; it reminded us of the value of physical activity and social interaction.
Time.news Editor: That’s an important message. You also mentioned the focus on Italy’s own rising tennis star, Jannik Sinner. What did Andre Agassi say about him?
Mauro Gola: Andre had high praise for Jannik, stating, “I love him, it is easy to get along with him because he is a very interesting person.” He recognized Jannik’s perfect ball-hitting and noted that it gives him a feeling of the perfection that he himself sought during his career. It’s wonderful to see how the legacy of athletes like Andre can resonate with and inspire younger talent.
Time.news Editor: How significant do you think initiatives like ‘Dialogues on Talent’ are for the youth today?
Mauro Gola: They are crucial! Initiatives like this provide young people not only role models but also practical insights into the pathways to success. We believe that sport, in particular, plays an essential educational role, helping youngsters develop resilience, teamwork, and discipline—qualities that are invaluable in all walks of life.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like the CRC Foundation is doing incredible work to foster talent and inspire young people. Looking ahead, what other plans do you have for future events?
Mauro Gola: We are committed to continuing this dialogue and hope to feature more diverse voices from various fields—be it sports, arts, or sciences—who can impart wisdom and encourage our youth to dream big and cultivate their abilities.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Mauro, for sharing your insights and the inspiring work of the CRC Foundation. We look forward to seeing the positive impact these dialogues will have on young talents!
Mauro Gola: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing our vision and the potential we see in our youth.