On Wednesday, December 11th, starting at 8:00 PM at Caffè la Piazzetta on Via Montanini (Siena), the 2014 edition of the "Siena Rugby Skin" Calendar, curated by AS Siena Rugby 2000, the Pansexual Movement Arcigay Siena, and the "Studium" Photography Studio, will be previewed. There are plenty of new features, including the newly formed women's rugby team's participation in the initiative, which has agreed to pose alongside the men's team. The new shots, all taken in the studio, have a vintage feel, reminiscent of body painting techniques.
“"Saying no to any form of discrimination by embracing sport as a tool to educate young and old alike to overcome diversity: this is the goal that inspired us to create the new calendar," commented Giulia Veronesi, Martina Montigiani (captain and manager of the women's team, respectively), Juri Conti, and Francesco Micheli (captain and assistant coach of the men's team). "Twelve months that showcase the most beautiful and altruistic team sport in the world, capable of breaking down barriers related to gender and sexual orientation. A calendar that, year after year, we expect to become a tradition and that expresses the full commitment of the sporting world to social issues.".
These words are echoed by those of the President of the Pansexual Movement, Giovanni Bacaro: "The Pansexual Movement stands with the Siena Rugby players on this new occasion, sharing the sporting and social values that underpin the new calendar. This year, along with the fight against homophobia and bullying, the calendar has another very important goal: to break down the gender stereotype that has always seen rugby as a strictly male sport. The previous calendar received national attention and demonstrated how our city is at the forefront of the fight against prejudice and stereotypes, through a virtuous network that involves local associations.".
The shots and the idea of creating the new photos in the studio are, like last year, the work of Matteo Castelli and Andrea Sampoli, photographers at Studium. They commented on the recently completed project as follows: "We decided to continue the journey we began last year. We are convinced of the great value of this initiative, which has brought together very different communities in the city around a shared, crucial theme: equality and the fight against discrimination based on sexual identity.".
Last year, the 2013 calendar supported important initiatives such as the Anti-Homophobia Week and participation in several national tournaments for AS Siena Rugby. This year's proceeds will also be used to promote projects for the city and the fight against all forms of discrimination.
