The Italian Embassy in South Africa today presented to the press a joint initiative with a major South African rugby team, Vodacom Bulls, with the intention of combining sport with Italian culture and cuisine. On the occasion of the 14th round of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship (Vurc), the Vodacom Bulls will face the Italian team Zebre di Parma on 29 March at the Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria. During the event, the Italian Embassy will stage the 'Loftus Festa Italiana', which will showcase Italian cuisine, culture and handicrafts. The Italian Ambassador, Alberto Vecchi, accompanied by a South African testimonial, Jannie Breedt, former player of the Vodacom Bulls and South Africa's national team Springboks, and coach of several Italian teams, will address the media together with representatives of the host team. The collaboration centred on the sport of rugby will provide the opportunity to showcase scientific-nutritional aspects, promote Italian companies, and present a social responsibility project.
On 28 March, the day before the rugby match between Italy and South Africa, a master class will be held focusing on nutrition and the benefits of the Mediterranean diet for athletes The 'Loftus Festa Italiana' will offer visitors an all-Italian experience, combining the passion for rugby with the traditions of Italy. The public will have the opportunity to taste authentic Italian cuisine, sip fine Italian wines and espresso coffee, enjoy Italian music including a tenor who may open the match, and other cultural events in collaboration with the Italian Cultural Institute. At the stadium there will also be an exhibition of iconic Italian cars, a symbol of the country's excellence in design and craftsmanship.
This collaboration will aim to bring together Italian and South African companies. Also present will be Paolo Bertuzzi, who through sport has come to South Africa and helped found the 'Clarens Eagles Rugby Club', which, through rugby, provides a base for disadvantaged youths, supporting them through education and sport.
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