QNA
Paris, 6 October 2023 - Mr. Matteo Bonciani, Special Advisor to “Save the Dream”, a global initiative operated by the International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) with the support of Ooredoo, the Technology Partner, said F1 is in Qatar for the second time, increasing the key role of the region and underlying the great moment Qatar’s is having beyond the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
In an exclusive interview with the Qatari News Agency (QNA) on the sidelines of the kick-off of the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix at Lusail International Circuit today, Bonciani said the World Cup has been a real big success where Qatar has shown the ability to organise an event that the FIFA itself has not hesitated to praise it as the best from an organizational view point.
Joining Save the Dream is an honour and a great opportunity, the former Head of F1 Communications for the FIA, said: “I am flattered to have been called to take part of a global movement which brings together personalities and policy makers, sport champions, supporters worldwide in promoting the best values of sport among the youngest generations. For me, imagining to have an active role in the implementation of the ongoing field programmes led by Save the Dream is a real stimulating challenge. The international partnership that Save the Dream has been able to establish worldwide in just 10 years with the expertise and the resources put in practice to reach targets based on peace and inclusion are a concrete opportunity. “
Stressing the transformative power of sport, Bonciani recalled: “I was a very young kid playing basket in little club in Florence, but I will never forget the only banner there was on the wall: Lo sport è lealtà onestà, amicizia (Sport is Loyalty, Honesty, friendship) and after so many years I am still thinking that sport remains one of the best ways of changing the world and bring people together. Through my career in Formula 1 and the global automotive industry in strategic marketing and communication, I’ve seen how sport events can fascinate the people worldwide providing unique emotions and putting them together like nothing else.”
On his projects to communicate the message of Save the Dream through motor sports, Bonciani, who is also a member of the Official Order of Professional Journalists of Italy said: “One of main component of sport is passion, the commitment at such a level that it arrives to its epitome in volunteering for being part of it. They are the volunteers who strive tirelessly to help athletes follow their dreams and ambitions eventually becoming champions. With the newly established flagship global initiative the “House of Volunteers in Sport” which was launched by Save the Dream in cooperation with over 55 organisations, there will be a room to develop new projects aimed at connecting skilled volunteers with those who need their help, also including motor sport organisations at the national and international levels.
We will also promote some new initiatives using the positive values of this sport, including the spirit of adventure and resilience under pressure, to reach more communities and inspire children and young people.”
“Sport can play an important role in conflict resolution in regions in turmoil and post-conflict zones to restore peace and reconciliation when it is properly used this will be one of our goals in line with Save the Dream’s vision and mission,” Bonciani concluded.