Inspiring the Next Generation: Gregorio Paltrinieri Meets Students in Tolentino, Italy
Sport, education, and ocean protection come together in a unique event with Arena and Healthy Seas
On 17 September, Olympic champion and Healthy Seas ambassador Gregorio Paltrinieri met more than 200 students at the Istituto Comprensivo G. Lucatelli in Tolentino, thanks to arena and the Healthy Seas Foundation. Additional classes joined online, turning the school into a vibrant arena of curiosity, laughter, and important conversations about sport and the ocean.
The day began with a short introduction about marine litter and the importance of protecting our seas, followed by a video showing Gregorio’s involvement in cleanup missions with Healthy Seas.
Then it was the students’ turn. Hands shot up, and for nearly an hour Gregorio answered thoughtful, funny, and moving questions: from his biggest fears, to how he balances study with training, to what he felt while diving with dolphins, whales, sharks, and even Nemo-like fish around the world. He also shared tips on how to handle stress and disappointment, reminding kids that success is built one practice at a time.
Kids as Ocean Heroes
Almost all the questions came directly from the children, showing their curiosity and empathy. They asked Gregorio about his biggest fears, how he balanced study with training, how to handle stress and disappointment, and even what he eats, or which soap he uses.
One of the most touching questions was: “What can kids do to help the adults be more aware of the marine litter problem?” Gregorio encouraged them to see themselves as role models — because even small actions at home and in their communities can inspire adults to change habits.
To capture the energy of the exchange, illustrator and visual facilitator Alessandra Zaffiro created a live visual of the session. Her drawing brought together the kids’ questions, Gregorio’s stories, and the main ideas from the day — turning the conversation into a colourful memory that the students can keep and share.
The event ended with a joyful group photo outside the school, joined also by the Mayor of Tolentino.
Arena & Healthy Seas: A Growing Partnership
The event in Tolentino — which is also home to arena’s Italian headquarters — was part of the long-standing collaboration between Arena and Healthy Seas. Last year, Arena athletes in Italy, Germany, and the United States took part in underwater cleanup projects with Healthy Seas divers, removing marine litter and raising awareness about ocean protection.
This year, the focus has expanded from cleanups to education. The Tolentino meeting was the first educational project following the three cleanup missions. A second education initiative will soon take place in Germany, continuing to bring athletes, schools, and ocean conservation together.
A Shared Mission
For Healthy Seas and arena, this day was about much more than meeting a champion. It was about showing young people that discipline, passion, and care for the planet go hand in hand.
I received only positive feedback about the organization of the morning and, above all, about the meeting with Gregorio Paltrinieri, who gave both the children and the teachers a truly wonderful experience. We are deeply grateful for his willingness to answer everyone’s questions, for his simplicity, and for the attention he showed to each and every student.
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