From left: Monica Mori (Maxim), Martin De Graaff (FIM Europe President), Sergio Berlato (Italian Deputy in the European Parliament), Tony Mori (Maxim), Robert Svensson (FIM Europe – Chairman Enduro & Rally Commission)
It was a memorable day yesterday, Monday 14th March, at the representative offices of the Honorable Sergio Berlato, Italian Deputy in the European Parliament and titular member of the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Commission, where a important meeting whose implications will give further prestige and importance to the European Enduro Championship and beyond.
The ceremony took place behind closed doors with the presence of the FIM Europe president Martin De Graaff, the president of the Enduro commission for FIM Europe Robert Svensson, Tony Mori and Monica Mori, promoter of the European Enduro Championship.
By the will of the Hon. Berlato was born the project of collaboration between the institution and sporting activity, and yesterday the President of FIM Europe Martin De Graaff was delivered the European flag which will be the symbol of peace and friendship between peoples, a very strong message that only the world of sport has the ability to transmit, an important task of sporting responsibility with the aim of creating understanding, fair play, friendship, respect and collaboration between peoples which coincides with a moment of great and serious crisis of coexistence as a result of before the pandemic and time of war threat. This exchange also symbolizes the collaboration between these two important entities for the near future which are committed to building a synergistic and far-sighted collaborative relationship.
The attention of Hon. Berlato has not limited itself to the Enduro European Championship but has extended to all the needs of riders and not only; the discussion on road safety and environmental protection are issues of fundamental importance that it is good to discuss about.
The collaboration between Hon. Berlato and FIM Europe will have as their central objective the best of motorcycling regardless of whether it is sports or tourist motorcycling. One of the projects discussed was the creation of tourist itineraries dedicated to motorcycles and the discovery of Italian rural culture first and then the if possible to extend this project to the whole of Europe. A project that is very dear to Hon. Berlato, who has been promoting and supporting various associations dedicated to rural culture and the environment for years.
At the end of the day, the Hon. Berlato gave his availability to create the conditions for organizing the official ceremony of the 2022 European champions at the European Parliament in Brussels; it will be the first time that the Enduro world will officially cross the doors of the European parliament. The realization of this last point will be subject to the current health situation.
Mr Martin de Graaff, FIM Europe President
“I had the occasion to visit Maxim’s headquarter with Robert Svensson prior to the first race of the European Championship in Pietramontecorvino, in the South of Italy. A meeting with the member of the European Parliament Mr. Sergio Berlato followed: it should actually take place in Brussels, however due to the Covid restrictions we decided to organize the visit to Italy. Hon. Berlato noticed the importance of the European competitions and friendship among sportsmen, as physical and mental health are fundamental aspects for a good future. Mr Tony Mori presented the 2022 activities: the main objective is the growth of the championship, that will become more attractive for many riders from national federations. The FIM Europe is happy and proud of this cooperation”.
Mr Sergio Berlato, Italian Deputy in the European Parliament
“The meeting marks the beginning of a fruitful collaboration between the world of sport at international level and the EU Institutions. I’m proud, as Italy’s representative to the European Parliament, to be at the disposal of people who see sport as a school of life, an instrument of brotherhood and closeness, especially in light of the difficult times we are experiencing. We hope that this first meeting is only the beginning of a collaboration that will last over the years”.
Mr Robert Svensson, Chairman Enduro & Rally Commission
“It was a very good meeting with Hon. Sergio Berlato. We had a great opportunity to present the FIM Europe, our sport, our championship and the plans for the future. Mr. Berlato was very interested and also well aware of our challenges for the future”.
Tony Mori, Maxim
“I’m very satisfied about this important meeting. I hope it’s only the beginning of a lasting relationship. The topics were many, but we have all the right skills to develop the various projects”.