We can start with a necessary premise: what are the aims of the HC Lugano Academy Foundation and the objectives you have set yourself to achieve during your presidency?
The primary purpose of the Foundation, established 10 years ago, is to support the HC Lugano Association in the promotion and development of its Youth Section. Essentially, we primarily raise funds, which are donated directly to the Youth Section. But our work isn't limited to simply supplementing the budget: it also supports development and improvement projects, starting with the Summer Ice Hockey Championships, to bridge a four-month training hiatus. Keep in mind that the Youth Section is made up of 420 young people, 20 active teams, and relies on a support system that includes a small number of professionals and many volunteers (over a hundred) who perform various roles (judges, chaperones, directors, referees). The purpose of this complex organization is to support the young people in their development as well-rounded athletes, and at the same time assist them in completing their academic and professional training, thus instilling important sporting and educational values among the youngsters, while respecting their personal development.
What is the current financial balance of your management of the Foundation?
"During 2023, CHF 270,000 was raised, in 2024 over CHF 450,000 and in the first five months of this year we have already exceeded the figure of CHF 230,000. These results were achieved thanks to a complex communication plan and a great effort made in organizing various types of events: fundraising linked to the Skateathon (in November, two editions already held, raised over
CHF 170,000); the traditional gala dinner organized by the Golden Wings Club (over CHF 300,000 raised in the last three editions); and the appointment of a special spokesperson, Elvis Merzlikins, who, in addition to being a financial supporter, has donated his time for various interviews and offered memorabilia for auction. But this is only a partial list of the numerous initiatives already implemented or planned.
Recognizing the Foundation's social value is another important aspect of your commitment...
This is an element that absolutely deserves to be emphasized. From the beginning of our mandate, we have reached out to municipalities and public bodies and institutions to involve them in projects that, precisely because of their content, have a strong impact on local communities and the Ticino region. Approximately a third of the 58 municipalities where the young people we addressed our request for support originated have accepted the proposal, generating a contribution of several thousand Swiss francs that we plan to increase in the coming months.
What other initiatives do you have planned to increase fundraising?
Our goal is to continually expand our fan base. Therefore, in addition to traditional events like the Golden Wings Club gala dinner or the Skateathon, we will organize special events for the public during two matches of the upcoming Championship. We also intend to directly involve the various service clubs in Ticino.
I would also like to point out the creation of a wall in the Golden Wings Lounge at the Corner Arena to recognize our major supporters (who are not sponsors but act out of philanthropy): there are 28 plaques and we still have a few more waiting for names!
Everyone's support is invaluable, and so my thanks go to all the friends who lend us a hand, and especially to the volunteers who dedicate their free time to our kids.
But I'd also like to extend a special thank you to someone, whom I won't name, who sent us 10 euros, representing the 10th anniversary of our Foundation. It's the gesture that counts, and every franc has its value.
Hockey School
HCL Youth Section
www.fondazioneacademyhcl.ch
