by InTrieste
In a heartwarming ceremony held this afternoon in the historic Municipal Blue Room, Mayor Roberto Dipiazza and Sports Councilor Elisa Lodi celebrated local hero Matteo Parenzan, who recently clinched a gold medal in table tennis at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.
Parenzan, 20, hails from Trieste, a city now basking in his victory. The young athlete dominated the Paralympic table tennis competition, securing his gold medal by defeating Thailand’s Rungroj Thainiyom in a decisive 3-0 match. Thainiyom, a seasoned competitor ranked third in the world, had previously faced Parenzan in the finals of the 2022 World Championships in Granada, where the Italian had also emerged victorious. This latest victory in Paris solidified Parenzan’s standing as one of the sport’s brightest talents.
Mayor Dipiazza, visibly emotional during the ceremony, praised the young athlete for his remarkable achievement. “Sport is a vehicle for transmitting and amplifying positive values and lessons for society,” Dipiazza said. “Matteo’s victory is not only a testament to his skill and determination, but it also sends a beautiful message of hope and perseverance to all. Congratulations for bringing Trieste to the pinnacle of the international sports stage.”
Parenzan’s journey to the top has captivated Italy, and his story resonates far beyond the borders of his hometown. Trieste, known for its rich cultural heritage, now has another reason to celebrate—its place in sporting history. The mayor’s words reflected a deep sense of pride that has swept through the city in the wake of Parenzan’s achievement.
Councillor Elisa Lodi added her own words of praise, calling Parenzan “an example of determination, sacrifice, and the will to improve—a role model for all young people.”
The ceremony concluded with a symbolic exchange of gifts. Mayor Dipiazza presented Parenzan with a plaque adorned with Trieste’s iconic halberd, while Parenzan offered the mayor an official table tennis ball from the Paris Paralympic Games, a tangible reminder of the triumph that has become a source of pride for the city.
As Trieste celebrates its new champion, Parenzan’s victory serves as a reminder of the power of sport to inspire, unite, and elevate individuals and their communities.
