OGI Timeline
The Olimpiade della Gioventù Italiana (OGI) has grown from a simple idea in 1978 into a beloved tradition for the UK’s Italian community. This timeline highlights key moments in its history, from the first games in 1980, through challenges and triumphs, to the ongoing legacy of figures like Vic Heissl. It traces the evolution of OGI, including new teams, sponsorships, and its growth into a major community event.
1978 - A Dream Becomes Reality
-
During a meeting of the St. Peter’s Italian Youth Club, it was proposed by Tony Tozzi, that a large-scale event should be created for the Italian youth community in the UK. This led to the concept of the OGI (Olympic Games of Italians), a competition aimed at bringing together young Italians and non-Italians in sports, fostering unity and camaraderie.
1978 - 1980: Vic Heissl’s Leadership
-
Vittorio (Vic) Heissl, President of St. Peter’s Italian Youth Club, took charge of the event’s organization. With his tireless drive and determination, he spearheaded the development of the first OGI Games. His dedication to community and inclusion, regardless of nationality or sporting ability, shaped the event's ethos. Vic ensured that the games were not just about medals, but about building friendships and community spirit.
-
After two years of hard work, the inaugural OGI Games took place at Barnet Copthall Stadium on the last bank holiday of May 1980. This event attracted teams from across the UK, with around 1000 competitors. The focus was on participation, friendship, and community building rather than just winning medals.
.jpeg)
1980 - 1985: Growth and Challenges
-
OGI continued to thrive, taking place bi-annually, with venues shifting from Barnet Copthall to New River Stadium in North London.
-
The event faced logistical challenges, including housing competitors and organizing the games with limited funds, but Vic’s leadership never wavered.
-
Under Vic's direction, the games expanded, welcoming a diverse range of competitors, and ensuring that everyone had a chance to take part, regardless of sporting ability or background. Vic insisted that all participants, including non-Italians, be welcomed.
1985: Transition of Leadership
-
In 1985, Vic passed the presidency over to Les Rickard. It was decided that a separate committee, with its own constitution would be established, with the sole aim of running OGI.
-
However, Vic remained involved behind the scenes, continuing his support for the games, preparing food, and working on administrative tasks.
-
Despite this change, Vic's ethos remained integral to OGI’s spirit. He would still be seen at the games, quietly overseeing operations and ensuring everything ran smoothly, often returning to St. Peter's to organize post-event festivities.
1998 - 2000: Revival of the OGI Games
-
By 1998, OGI was at a crossroads. The committee had resigned, competitor numbers were falling, and funds were dwindling. In response, a new committee was formed, led by Mike Viglione, Luciana Timanti, Mariella Mansi, Anthony Manzi, and others.
-
The revived committee sought sponsorship and secured funding from Cariparma, with their first major success coming in 2000. The 2000 Games were well-organized, with a competitive showdown between St. Peter’s and Finchley. St. Peter’s retained the title, while Arrotini won the Les Rickard Cup for a third time, and Stanmore & Hendon took the Sportsmanship Trophy.
2001: Honorary President and the Winner’s Shield
-
After the death of Padre Roberto Russo, Vic was made the Honorary President of OGI.
-
Vic requested that the OGI Winner’s Shield be renamed the Padre Roberto Russo Shield in memory of their beloved supporter. This request was accepted and the shield was renamed in 2002.
2002 - 2006: Competitive Years and International Expansion
-
The 2002 Games saw another exciting battle between Finchley and Southgate, with Finchley eventually crowned champions. Arrotini again retained the Les Rickard Cup and Harrow & Wembley won the Sportsmanship Trophy. Unfortunately, 2002 marked the last participation of Arrotini in OGI.
-
In 2004, Finchley claimed their second title, with Stanmore & Hendon winning the Les Rickard Cup. A milestone was reached when a team from Italy, Oratorio Regina Pacis, participated for the first time. Although small, the team won the Sportsmanship Trophy.
-
2006 was a year of change, with Southgate clinching the title from Finchley for the second time. Finchley won the Les Rickard Cup, and Stanmore & Hendon retained the Sportsmanship Trophy. The year also saw Oratorio merge with St. Peter’s and Southgate securing another title.
2010: Final Year at New River Stadium
-
Southgate successfully defended their title in 2010, with a record number of gold medals. Finchley retained the Les Rickard Cup, and S. Londra Sud made a strong first appearance, winning the Sportsmanship Trophy.
-
2010 marked the last OGI held at New River Stadium, as significant changes began to take place within the organizing committee. The games moved permanently to Barnet Copthall Stadium and the OGI maintained a vibrant period.
2016: Vic’s Final Appearance
-
In 2016, Vic failed to appear at the games for the first time, sending his apologies. However, he attended the post-event St. Peter’s team party but left early. Vic Heissl passed away on 26th July 2016, marking the end of an era for OGI.
-
Vic’s spirit, however, continued to live on through the event, with many competitors and supporters remembering him fondly, including a tribute from former competitor Marilyn Kumon, who expressed how Vic had been a guiding force in her youth.
2020 - 2022: COVID-19 Disruption and Cancellations
-
The 40th anniversary of the OGI Games was scheduled to take place in 2020, but was cancelled due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. National lockdowns, travel restrictions, and health regulations between March 2020 and December 2021 made it impossible to organize or safely run the event, marking the first time in history the games were not held.
-
Although restrictions had eased by 2022, the pandemic’s lingering effects had a profound impact on the community. The OGI Games were once again cancelled. The prolonged disruption led to a decline in enthusiasm and participation, preventing the games from taking place for the second consecutive year.
2024: Anglo-Italian Games
-
In 2024, with the OGI Games cancelled for another year, the pressure grew within the community to revive the tradition. Sergio (AS Londra Sud) and Marco Carnevale (Finchley) took the initiative to organize an alternative competition.
-
The Anglo-Italian Games were held at the David Weir Stadium in South London, providing a platform for athletes from multiple teams to compete individually, rather than representing their traditional teams. This change fostered a more united atmosphere, with participants from diverse backgrounds competing side by side.
-
The event also introduced a veterans' category, allowing previous OGI competitors over the age of 21 to participate. This welcomed former athletes back into the fold and showcased the lasting impact of the OGI Games on its community. The success of the Anglo-Italian Games reignited the spirit of the OGI, showing that there was still demand for such events.
2025: New Leadership and the OGI's Future
-
Following another year of cancellations, most of the OGI Committee resigned. This created an opportunity for a new committee to be formed with fresh leadership.
-
Marco Bardetti was appointed as President of the OGI, tasked with taking the organization forward. Under his leadership, the OGI Games are poised for a revival. The committee's vision for the future included updating the event’s structure and engaging a new generation of athletes, while maintaining the community-focused spirit that defined the OGI from its inception.
-
The OGI Games are set to evolve, bringing a new era to the competition, with updated ideas and reforms designed to make the event more accessible, engaging, and relevant to today’s youth.
