The Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) has joined forces with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), becoming the newest addition to the FAO Champions community. Together, they will mark FAO's 80th anniversary by promoting healthy diets, reducing food loss and waste and advancing sustainability through the power of sport.
Announced on the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (29 September), the collaboration underscores rugby's collective commitment to promoting conscious food choices and advancing sustainability through the universal language of sport.
As FAO commemorates eight decades of action towards Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment, and a Better Life for all, FIR will engage athletes, fans, and communities across Italy and beyond in making conscious food choices.
On 16-17 October, the Federation - in particular FIR President Andrea Duodo, Vice President Antonella Gualandri, Centurions Leonardo Ghiraldini, Sara Barattin and Lucia Gai, together with players from the senior national teams and junior squads - will participate in World Food Day and Junior World Food Day at FAO Headquarters in Rome.
Events will highlight youth engagement, including an interactive cooking session led by chef Alessandro Borghese with FIR players, encouraging children to learn about healthy eating in a fun and practical way.
FAO's Deputy-Director General, Maurizio Martina commented: "Sport unites and inspires. Through partnerships like this, we can amplify essential messages about healthy eating, reducing food waste, and building a food-secure future together For a Better Life for all."
FIR President Andrea Duodo said: "We are honored to become FAO Champions. Rugby teaches us that the greatest achievements come through courage, discipline, and teamwork-principles we now bring to the fight against hunger and for sustainability."
Leonardo Ghiraldini, Centurion and former Italy captain, now serving on the FIR Board with responsibility for Sustainability, added: "Rugby is a school of life. It teaches us to care for one another and to act with purpose. Through this partnership, we aim to inspire young people to understand the impact of their choices on their health, their communities, and the planet."
The FAO/FIR partnership drop-kicks with the release of two videos - one addressing the reduction of food loss and waste and another marking FAO's 80th anniversary in anticipation of Junior World Food Day on October 17th, 2025.
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