Pink Bowl brings US, Italian female military together

As an ongoing tradition of meeting twice a year, more than 100 Soldiers and Airmen took part in the Female 2 Female "March Madness" Pink Bowl, a variety of fun competitive sport matches at the Vicenza Caserma Del Din Fitness Center March 20.

About 30 Airmen travelled from Aviano Air Base Single Airmen Staying Strong program and a dozen Italian female airmen arrived from two Italian Air Force bases to meet with the Soldiers from the Vicenza Military Community.

In the morning mixed teams competed in beach volleyball and tug of war. Vicenza won the first sport activity and Aviano won the second one. After a lunch break and conversation at the Warrior Zone, the two (mixed) teams competed in the last event of the day; a lively game on the hard-court, which determined the Pink Bowl winner. Vicenza won the basketball game 41-32.

Throughout the day, the USO provided snacks, sports drinks and water.

According to USAG Vicenza ACS Director Julia Sibilla, of the F2F support team, "Once again the F2F/BOSS Pink Bowl was a success with both a great turnout and fun, competitive sports action. What made this edition special was the opportunity for our Soldiers and Airmen to interact with their Italian counterparts in a fun and competitive environment. The Italians enjoyed the sports and the American lunch but really enjoyed the chance to meet other female military members. The Italians are already planning to invite our Soldiers to an event on their turf."

"This event teaches them (participants) to mix and interact, which is something we don't always get to do," said Maj. Julie Glover, of the Aviano SASS program, who participated in the event for the second year.

"This year it's nice to have the Italian Air Force female members. We are thinking to plan an event Olympic-style with them in the future," she said.

The Italian Airmen came from two air bases, respectively the 3⁰ Stormo from Villafranca, near Verona and the 51⁰ Stormo from Istrana, near Treviso.

Aviere (Airman) Giulia Paladini, of the 51⁰ Stormo, Istrana, participated for the first time in the event.

"These recreational activities are very important because they give us the opportunity to socialize and, as we can see here today, sport is an international language that everybody can understand, and it helps shorten any distance and get over language barriers," Paladini said.

She is looking forward to meeting again and adding other sport disciplines such as soccer and swimming.

Another 51⁰ Stormo's participant, Aviere Paola Rella enjoyed the event and getting to know a different military setting.

"Coming here has been a learning experience because we don't have often the opportunity to get familiar with other installations besides ours. The sport activities have also brought us together regardless of our nationality. We have been welcomed and the atmosphere was really friendly," Rella said.

USAG Vicenza Garrison Commander Col. Robert L. Menist and Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Dennison closed out a day of sports and fun with thanks to all and, after presenting the trophy to Vicenza BOSS President Sgt. Amanda Donohue. Menist said he will see everybody for the rematch, which will be hosted in Aviano.