Re-education Through Athletics: Rome Conference Explores Sport’s Role in Criminal Justice Reform
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A groundbreaking conference exploring the intersection of justice, rehabilitation, and athletics is set to take place on Wednesday, november 19, from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM in the Aula Magna of the European University of Rome. The event, titled “The re-educational function of punishment and the value of sport in penitentiary treatment,” aims to foster dialog on innovative approaches to criminal justice.
A Collaborative Initiative for Reform
The conference is a joint initiative organized by the John Paul II Foundation for Sport, the European University of Rome, the network of magistrates “Sport and Legality,” and the Italian sports Centre CSI-Rome. Organizers state the event was conceived to provide a platform for shared reflection on critical themes of justice, human dignity, and pathways to recovery, aligning with the broader context of the Jubilee Year and the university’s educational and social mission.
The event seeks to underscore the potential of both law and sport as tools to facilitate personal growth and civic responsibility. A key objective is to encourage constructive engagement between academic institutions, the judiciary, and sports organizations. Participants can expect a comprehensive overview of current penitentiary treatment methods and the evolving role of athletics in re-education and reintegration processes.
– The conference emphasizes the importance of human dignity in the context of criminal justice reform.
Keynote Speakers and Institutional Perspectives
The conference will commence with welcoming remarks from Fr. Pedro Barrajon, LC, Magnificent Rector of the European University of Rome.aniello Marone, Pro-Rector for Internationalization and Coordinator of the CDS in Law at the European university of rome, will provide the introductory remarks. Following this, Carmelo Leotta, Associate Professor of Criminal law at the European University of Rome, will deliver a foundational talk entitled “The re-educational function of punishment.”
High-level institutional perspectives will be offered by Sister Alessandra Smerilli, Secretary of the dicastery for Integral Human Development, and Riccardo Turrini Life, National Guarantor of the Rights of Persons Deprived of Personal Liberty. Their discussion will center on “The role of institutions in the dialogue between sport and prison.”
– The event aims to bridge the gap between academic research, legal practice, and sports organizations.
Roundtable Discussion: The Value of sport in Rehabilitation
A central component of the conference will be a roundtable discussion, “the value of sport in penitentiary treatment,” featuring a distinguished panel of experts. Participants include Massimiliano Atelli, President of the Independent Commission for the Supervision of the Financial Statements of Professional Clubs; Sergio Sottani, Attorney General of the Court of Appeal of Perugia and spokesperson for the “Sport and legality” magistrates’ network; Ernesto Napolillo, Director General of Prisoners and Treatment; Antonella Baldino, CEO of the Institute for Sports and Cultural credit; and Maria Spena, a member of the Sports and Health board of directors.
– What is “Sport and Legality”? It’s a network of Italian magistrates promoting ethical conduct in sports.
Launch of the “GAMES OF HOPE” Initiative
A pivotal moment during the conference will be the presentation of the 2nd edition of the GAMES OF HOPE. Fabrizio Baine, representing the “Sport and Legality” magistrates’ network, Irene Marotta, head of the Fiamme Azzurre sports group, and Oriana Tantimaco, Director of office V of the General Directorate of Prisoners, will all contribute to the presentation.
Daniele Pasquini, President of the John Paul II Foundation for Sport and CSI Rome, will moderate the conference, ensuring a dynamic and insightful exchange of ideas.
This conference represents a notable step toward exploring innovative and holistic approaches to criminal justice, recognizing the transformative power of sport in fostering rehabilitation and reintegration.
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