Press conference presenting the #Folgaria2026 training camp / VIDEO
Folgaria – This afternoon, Thursday 16 July, the third edition of Hellas Verona's summer training camp on the Alpe Cimbra was officially presented at the 'La Pineta' Sports Centre in Folgaria.
The event opened with remarks from the Mayor of Folgaria, Michael Rech, who welcomed the Club and highlighted the strong partnership that has been built between the local area and Hellas Verona over the years: "For the third consecutive year, we are honoured to host Hellas Verona in Folgaria. We are very pleased to have renewed this partnership: our residents appreciate it, as do our local businesses, which are a key part of a destination like ours. This training camp is an important part of the investments we are making in sport and in the quality of our tourism offering. It is valuable both for the team's pre-season preparation and for promoting our area. We can proudly say that Folgaria is Hellas Verona's mountain home, and that Alpe Cimbra has truly become the mountain destination of the people of Verona".
Next to speak was Alessandro Casti, President of the Alpe Cimbra Tourist Board (APT), who underlined the importance of the training camp for the entire area: "We are proud to be hosting your training camp for the third year in a row. It is an event that means a great deal to our local community, to our visitors and especially to our local businesses, which see it as a key opportunity for Folgaria and the whole Alpe Cimbra area. Here you can enjoy high-quality sports facilities and the ideal conditions to prepare for the new season. We wish you all the best and hope you can recharge your batteries ahead of the new Serie A campaign."
Representing Hellas Verona was Team and Club Manager Sandro Mazzola, who thanked the local authorities and everyone involved in organising the training camp: "I would like to convey the greetings of President Italo Zanzi, the coaching staff and all our players. Our thanks go to the Mayor, the local administration, the Alpe Cimbra Tourist Board, the volunteers and everyone who has been working for months to make this possible. I would also like to thank all the people at Hellas Verona who are helping ensure that everything runs as smoothly as possible".
During the press conference, the speakers were asked about the tangible benefits that the training camp brings to the local area. Mayor Rech explained that, beyond the numbers, the clearest indicator is the response from the local community: "The best measure is the number of supporters who come here, not only for the friendly matches but also to watch the team train every day, often choosing to spend their holidays here. More than anything, what matters most is the satisfaction of our local businesses, which consider this event extremely important for the area".
President Casti also reaffirmed the value of the initiative: "Having a prestigious club like Hellas Verona here is a significant added value. The benefits extend beyond hotels and accommodation facilities to shops and restaurants, which enjoy increased business during these weeks and hope this partnership will continue for many years. The supporters are incredibly important to us. Moreover, there has never been a single issue: as the Mayor mentioned, we have built a relationship with the city of Verona and its people that has become truly strong, almost symbiotic".
In closing, Sandro Mazzola addressed a special message to the Gialloblù supporters: "I would like to thank all the fans who come to Folgaria every day to watch the team train. Their passion is extraordinary and represents a huge source of support for us. Over the years, a truly special relationship has developed between Hellas Verona, Folgaria and the entire local community".