College Olympics and Academic Excellence: “XCool” Olympics event takes place in Pisa on July 25-27, 2019. 300 students from higher education institutions participate in sport competitions and new e-sports tournament
A balanced development of body and mind will help students to develop intellectual and personal skills. The Olympic philosophy of life places sport at the service of the development of individuals, with a view to promoting individual excellence and excellent athletic performances. Based on the Olympic philosophy that learning takes place through physical activity, the “XCool” event will allow 300 students to experience values such as excellence, respect and friendship.
300 university students from all over Italy participate in the “XCool” - eXcellence Colleges Olympics event on July 25-27, 2019, in Pisa. They took up the invitation from the Rete Italiana degli Allievi delle Scuole di Studi Superiori Universitari (Italian Higher Education institutions student network) supported by Pisa City Council authority and the University of Pisa to enjoy competitions at the CUS Pisa, “Gino Gini” athletics centre and the public Swimming Pool as well as honor academic achievements and athletics excellence.
The “XCool” event will begin on July 25 at 6.00 pm in the Palazzo della Carovana - Scuola Normale Superiore. The “XCool” winners will receive their prize at Sant’Anna School, on July 25 at 9.30 pm. Top students and athletes come from the Collegio Superiore dell’Università di Bologna, Scuola Superiore di Catania, Scuola Superiore di Udine, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Scuola Superiore di Studi Avanzati della Sapienza di Roma, Scuola Normale Superiore, Scuola IUSS Pavia, Istituto Superiore Universitario di Formazione Interdisciplinare di Lecce, Scuola di Studi Superiori “Giacomo Leopardi” di Macerata, Scuola Galileiana di Studi Superiori di Padova and Scuola di Studi Superiori “Ferdinando Rossi” Torino. The “XCool” competition offers 10 sports, including five-a-side soccer, volleyball, tennis, basketball, swimming, table tennis, chess, table football and eSports tournaments.
The competition in Pisa reflects the collaborative efforts of the network Rete degli Allievi delle Scuole di Studi Superiori Universitari, offering its members opportunities to enhance interdisciplinary learning through physical education and sport.
“We are more than happy to host again the “XCool” event in Pisa – said Sant’Anna School rector Sabina Nuti and Scuola Normale Superiore rector Luigi Ambrosio – The “XCool” formula was successfully implemented through ten competitions over time. The latter provides a wider arena from which to learn life skills such as fair play, non-discrimination, inclusivity, respect, excellence, and dedication. The focus is on the development of skills that spread beyond the sporting field. More than 300 students will benefit from the ‘XCool’ 2019 initiative – they added – This event would not have been possible without the support and contribution of our global network, our students, the City Council authority and the University of Pisa. On behalf of Sant’Anna School, I wish to thank you all for your tireless efforts and continuing commitment”.
“We are happy to host the ‘XCool’ competitions in our sporting facilities – said Marco Gesi, as the University of Pisa deputy rector. A valuable training facility provides a space to support elite students and athletes across the region. Our commitment to sport serves the local community and enhances the performance of our competitive student teams. We think the combination of high-quality education and sports performance is a core topic of the Higher Education training program for a life-long learning paradigm. Respect and Fair Play, as sports principles, promote understanding and the pursuit of excellence when they are applied in the community, in career development and in life”.
“It is a great honor to be chosen as the host city for the ‘XCool’ 2019 event – said the Mayor Michele Conti - We are proud to welcome the students of the best higher education institutions in Italy and to support and join Sant'Anna School and Scuola Normale Superiore for community engagement in education and sports. The City of Pisa has been at the forefront of the higher education when it comes to social responsibility, performance and commitment. We are proud of the legacy we continue to build. We believe that the power of education and research can inspire positive changes beyond the national borders”.
