Volleyball
This sport has been played in the Olympic games for 41 years. It was first included in the 1964 Olympic games in Tokyo although it was played for the first time in Italy in 1917. It is a fast, exciting game to watch and one that has always been popular because players must have quick reflexes, concentration, agility, individual skill, and strong character. The skill and determination of many of the athletes on local Piedmontese volleyball teams have made these teams excel in national competition. Among these are the young players from Brebanca Lannutti Cuneo, a team that has been sponsored by the Regione Piemonte since 2000 and has in turn become both a testimonial to the Region and a symbol of a sport that involves so many young people. Another important team is the Asystel Novara that plays in the first league (A1) of the Italian championship. Today Piedmontese volleyball is most well-known for its women’s teams and players. In fact famous members of the Italian national team like Paola Paggi, Paola Cardullo and Eleonora Bianco come from this region. The first Universiadi (sports competitions for university students from around the world) were held in Turin in 1959. The university games were held again in Turin in 1966 and 1970 and will come back to Piedmont in 2007 to continue the exciting action started by the 2006 Olympic Winter Games.
