Special Cup 2023: Albano Primavera added to the tournament roll of honour

After two days of competition, passion and great fun, the 2023 edition of the San Marino Special Cup has also been consigned to the record books. The excellent organisation of the event was made possible by the San Marino Football Federation, the Federazione Sammarinese Sport Speciali and Special Olympics San Marino, together with the local council of Borgo Maggiore led by Barbara Bollini. The event was also held under the patronage of the local council of Città. Twelve teams took part, made up entirely of athletes with intellectual and relational disabilities, for a weekend of fair play and intense sporting battles at the federal centre in Montecchio. While Friday was dedicated to arrivals and the opening dinner, shared by all participants, Saturday hosted the group stage, which produced the results needed to define the pairings that – on Sunday morning – led to the six matches determining the final standings. Albano Primavera were crowned champions, at the end of one of the editions with the highest technical level ever staged in San Marino. Runners-up were Insuperabili Fispes, who had to bow to the champions, beaten 4-1. It was no better for the second of the three Insuperabili sides: the Rome selection reached the third-place play-off, but that match went the way of Sportinsieme Castellarano, who claimed the lowest step of the podium with a comprehensive 6-2 victory. Completing the ranking, in order: Insuperabili – Team C, Soccer Dream Fermana, Fuorigioco ODV, Calcio Samba Rimni, ASD Calcio Veneto FS, Sport "In" Veneto ASD Bianchi, Sport "In" Veneto ASD Rossi and San Marino. The Titans finished at the foot of the table, after an unfortunate group stage in which they were often in front in their games, only to be pegged back by comebacks from their opponents. In the final match against Sport "In" Veneto ASD Rossi, the Biancazzurri lost narrowly (5-4) and will surely already be motivated to bounce back next year. In addition to the action on the pitch, the twelve teams representing various regions of Italy – together with the host nation, the Titans – were also involved in social activities, such as the dinner under the arcades of Borgo Maggiore, organised with the support of the local council led by Barbara Bollini. Particular thanks are also due to the mayor of Borgo Maggiore, not only for granting the use of the arcades, specially decorated ad hoc with floral arrangements, but also for presenting all participants at the San Marino Special Cup 2023 with a traditional local dessert. Last but by no means least, thanks go to the volunteers who supported the sporting organisations involved: without their invaluable contribution and tireless dedication, none of this would have been possible.

---