Appassion-Arti was launched in 2021 to give artistic form to the enthusiasm and determination of the Italian Women’s Sitting Volleyball National Team, following their historic first qualification for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. The project included an online contest to select a design to be printed on the sports prosthesis of Silvia Biasi, the team’s libero.
Each athlete carried a unique story of struggles, resilience, and relentless dedication. Participating in the Paralympics was their highest dream, finally come true.
Passion as true dedication to something meaningful was the driving force behind this initiative. In collaboration with the Italian Volleyball Federation and the Women’s Sitting Volleyball National Team, the project aimed to celebrate this energy by encouraging the sharing of ideas and the creation of artworks inspired by team spirit.
SPORT
RESILIENCE
OUTREACH
CROSSOVER
The initiative drew 278 participants, with entries split into two groups: children and youth up to middle school, and participants over 14. After the online voting, which ended on May 12, 2021, the top eight entries (two under 14 and six over 14) were evaluated by the national team athletes, who selected Laura’s drawing to accompany Silvia Biasi symbolically to the Tokyo 2021 Paralympics.
The overwhelming number of submissions and the quality of the work moved the organizers behind each drawing were emotional, meaningful stories that deeply resonated with the athletes. As a result, all contest entries were exhibited during major Sitting Volleyball competitions like the Italian Cup Final and the Italian Super Cup.
Online Voting Ranking
Finalists – Under 14 – Kids Category
Entry #19 by David Birarelli Amore (893 online votes)
Entry #42 by Lapadat Alessia Maria (584 online votes)
Finalists – Over 14 Category:
Entry #52 by Flavia Ruiu (1277 online votes)
Entry #112 by Raffaele Donnarumma (485 online votes)
Entry #183 by Nicole Defend (463 online votes)
Entry #8 by Antonino Finocchiaro (335 online votes)
Entry #123 by Laura Scotti (323 online votes)
Entry #9 by Antonio Pirotta (314 online votes)
In this video, the 2021 Sitting Volleyball National Team unveils the winning design of the contest.
