Italian pride in Europe: the Orte Flag-Wavers Group flies to the #BeActive EU Sport Awards

The #BeActive EU Sport Awards are the most prestigious official initiative of the European Commission, created to celebrate and reward the extraordinary achievements of individuals, organizations, and local communities that have distinguished themselves in promoting sport and physical activity across the Continent. This award unifies the legacy of previous European recognitions with a noble goal: highlighting virtuous examples that contribute to a society built on fairness, health, and shared values.

The awards are divided into five main categories:

• Physical activity — for projects that successfully encourage movement at all levels.
• Inclusion — for activities that use sport as a tool to address social challenges.
• Volunteering — for the exceptional contribution of those shaping the future of communities through sports volunteering.
• Peace — for organizations that use sport to promote dialogue, tolerance, and cooperation.
• Across generations — the beating heart of initiatives that bring people of all ages together, fostering social connection and access to physical activity.

And it is precisely in the “Across generations” category that Italy writes a page of history. The European Commission has selected the Flag-Wavers Group of the Seven Districts of Orte to compete on the European podium: a milestone that elevates a local tradition to an international sporting model.

Representing the Group at the award ceremony at the Bozar in Brussels will be Federico Testacuzzi, President of the Flag-Wavers Group, and Angelo Ciocchetti, head of ACe20.

Also attending the ceremony will be the senior and junior flag-wavers, together with their families, proud witnesses of a tradition passed down from generation to generation.

In the afternoon, the Group will perform at the Agora Simone Veil, the magnificent public space in front of the European Parliament, which will then be visited after the performance.

The European jury was captivated by this unique reality, awarding the Orte association based on three fundamental pillars that unite the athletes’ artistry with outstanding project design:

1. The value of intergenerational transmission: the masterpiece of ACe20’s “FLAG” project.  

At the heart of the candidacy lies the FLAG project, conceived and developed by ACe20 specifically to enhance the Group’s activity. The jury praised this project as a vibrant work of art in motion, capable of acting as a powerful social bridge. Since its founding in 1971, the Orte Group has preserved a precious secret: fostering dialogue between veteran masters and the youngest members.

In their performances, physical activity, acrobatic discipline, and athletic coordination are not merely exercises, but the magical vehicle through which an ancient art is passed on. The result is perfect harmony, where identity is renewed and mutual respect erases any age gap.

2. Champions of tradition, ambassadors to the world: the European dimension through ACe20’s Erasmus+ projects.  

The Flag-Wavers Group of the Seven Districts of Orte has shown that local roots can grow wings capable of flying anywhere. The association has not limited itself to preserving tradition within its hometown, but has internationalized it with a forward-looking vision through an extensive network of transnational cooperation.

Since 2017, its strategic partnership with ACe20 has enabled the Group to participate in more than ten Erasmus+ community projects, written and coordinated by the agency. This strong European vocation, combined with historic and triumphant transcontinental tours (such as the renowned tours in Japan), demonstrated to the European Commission how a local reality can become a global ambassador of inclusion, culture, and active citizenship.

3. A winning synergy and true professional teamwork  

Behind the successes on fields and squares around the world lies an impeccable organizational and Euro-project management structure. The historic selection for the #BeActive Awards is the result of meticulous strategic and technical work carried out by ACe20.

The specialized agency skillfully navigated the complex European calls, translating the Group’s daily social impact and historical legacy into an outstanding candidacy. A perfect synergy between the athletes’ talent and ACe20’s expertise, which outshone hundreds of other renowned European sports organizations.

With this nomination, the Flag-Wavers Group of the Seven Districts of Orte and the ACe20 team represent not only their community, but carry to the top of Europe the pride of an Italy capable of turning sport and European project design into instruments of beauty, unity, and living memory.