Luna Rossa at the European School of Economics: a lesson in resilience and teamwork

This term, students from the Sport Managementprogramme at the European School of Economics (ESE) in Florence had an extraordinary opportunity: meeting Maria Giubilei and Gianluigi Ugolini, two talented sailors from the Team Youth and Women of Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli. In an exciting talk, the athletes shared their experiences in the world of high performance sailing, addressing key issues such as cooperation, resilience and innovation. The event offered a valuable life lesson, demonstrating that success in sport depends not only on physical talent, but above all on mental strength and teamwork.

The value of inclusiveness and determination

Maria Giubilei, trimmer in the women’s division, recounted her journey to reconcile a sporting career and studies, emphasising the importance of a strong academic training, a fundamental principle of the course in Sport Management at ESE. “Sailing is one of the sports in which men and women compete together, and this is what makes our team an example of inclusiveness. The only selection criterion is merit, not gender,” Maria explained, highlighting how Luna Rossa is a model of fairness in international sport.

Gianluigi Ugolini, helmsman of the youth division, on the other hand, emphasised discipline and time management as key elements in achieving excellent results. “Success is never accidental,” said Gigi. “It only comes with a constant commitment and a clear visionof one’s goals.” His testimony highlighted the importance of a balance between sacrifice, perseverance and personal growth, elements on which the training of ESE students in Sport Management is based.

Sport and education: a pillar of the ESE philosophy

When asked what the most exciting part of the competition was, both athletes said that the support of family, friends and fans was invaluable and an extra motivation to face each challenge.

The European School of Economics adopts an educational philosophy that places sport as a fundamental pillar for the education of young people and the building of a fairer and more innovative society. As stated by the President and Founder of the ESE, Elio D’Anna: ‘We are convinced that sport represents, above all else, a strongly educational phenomenon and a central element in the evolution of society. The European School of Economics has a dream: to make sport an instrument of moral elevation, a bearer of eternal values such as loyalty, honesty and fairness, which alone can defeat the great evils of our time.”

A lesson that will remain in the hearts of the students

The meeting with Maria Giubilei and Gianluigi Ugolini was an inspiring moment for the ESE students. Their testimony showed that success is built on resilience, innovation and teamwork, the cornerstone principles of the school’s Course in Sport Management. An event that left an indelible mark in the hearts of those who had the privilege of listening to them.