by InTrieste
This week, the historic Piazza Sant’Antonio in Trieste became a hub of excitement, as the city welcomed the 29th edition of the “Don Marzari Trophy.” The annual event, which honors the late Don Edoardo Marzari—a Capodistria-born priest who founded the “Opera Figli del Popolo” to help underprivileged children—has grown into a celebrated international basketball tournament for young athletes.
The finals, set to take place on Saturday, August 31, will be played in Piazza Sant’Antonio, a stone’s throw from the iconic Grand Canal, marking the conclusion of a four-day tournament filled with competition, camaraderie, and cultural exchange.
During a press conference announcing the tournament, Trieste’s council members Elisa Lodi, who oversees Real Estate and Sports Policies, and Everest Bertoli, who leads Financial Policies, expressed the city’s pride in hosting such an event.
“We are delighted to support the Don Marzari Trophy,” said Councilor Lodi. “This tournament not only fosters basketball in Trieste but also gives young athletes—both boys and girls—the opportunity to compete with peers from other cities. It is an enriching experience that combines high-level sports training with the building of friendships.”
Organized by Azzurra Basket R.d.R. Trieste, the tournament focuses on players in the “Esordienti” category, aged 9 to 11. Fourteen teams from across Italy have descended upon Trieste, including local clubs such as Azzurra RdR, Tigrotte, Tigrotti, Arcobaleno, Polet, Basketrieste, and Interclub Muggia. From outside the region, teams like Varese Basketball, Hub del Sempione Gallarate, and Petrarca Padova add to the international flair.
The Don Marzari Trophy is more than just a basketball tournament—it’s a gateway to a broader cultural exchange. As part of the PSG Circuit, a nationwide initiative promoting minibasketball, the tournament enables visiting players to stay with local families, fostering connections that transcend sports. In several cases, families have chosen to accompany their children to Trieste, turning the competition into a vacation opportunity as well.
Beyond the action on the courts, participants have had the chance to explore the beautiful Adriatic city. Trieste’s beaches and historic landmarks, including its vibrant city center, have been a highlight for many visiting families.
Since matches began on Wednesday, August 28, the tournament has brought Trieste to life. Courts at the Dario Ferro Marine Resort in Punta Sottile and the Military Logistics Base in Lazzaretto have buzzed with activity. The atmosphere will culminate in Saturday’s highly anticipated finals, a fitting end to what has been described as both a sporting and cultural celebration.
The event is part of Trieste’s broader effort to establish itself as a center for youth sports, with a packed calendar of athletic events slated for September and October. The City of Trieste, providing official sponsorship, recognizes the power of such tournaments to not only enhance athletic skills but also bring people together from diverse backgrounds.
For further information, contact Azzurra Basket R.d.R. Trieste at +39 328 831 785 or via email at arcominibasket@gmail.com.
