CIRCOLO SPORTIVO ITALO AMERICANO |
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203-576-0154 |
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English |
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THE HISTORY |
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In 1965, a group of young Italian Immigrants used to get together almost every afternoon at Seaside Park, in Bridgeport, CT. to play soccer. A very enterprising young man by the name of Alfonso Cammarota organized this group of teenagers into a soccer team and called it "The Bridgeport Italians". In the beginning, the original group included Nino Del Cegno, Emilo Cappiello, Joe Venditti, Mike D'Onofrio, Angelo Giuffreda, Gabriele Ciccone and Tony Petitti. The first meetings took place in Alfonso's apartment on Capitol Av. in Bridgeport. Then, 1966 the team found a sponsor; the Benevento Club, located on Main St. in Bridgeport. By this time the team was joined by many more players and supporters. Among them Frank Ventresca, Mike Cecere, John D'Onofrio, Paul Galassini, Patsy Giuffreda, Gino Pagliaroli, Americo Cecchio, John Albano, Marcello Orsini, Patsy Del Cegno and Ralph Lomardi to mention a few. As the group grew, so grew the need for more independence. At this time there were 23 Italian American social Organizations in Bridgeport, but they were all founded before WWII. An organization was needed that would fulfill the need of those of us who came after the war. Thus, in 1967, through the efforts of many of the people and in addition to those already already mentioned above, including Tony Arduini, Frank Paola, Patsy Nicolia, Marcello Lisi, Frank Tadduni, Mario Sementilli, Porfirio Trovini, Leo Cefaloni, Joe Scaccia, Joe Marini, Frank Paola, Carlo Pernaselci, Rolando Fabrizio, Mike Pavia and John Pavia, Gino Marini, Silvio Nicolia, Paolo Volpe and more, Circolo Sportivo Italo Americano was born. The original members numbered 33. The first President was Tony Arduini. Sometime during 1967, Circolo Sportivo left the Benevento Club and rented a store front on 1900 Main St. After about a year it moved to the corner of Madison and Wayne St. (Five corners) and in 1972 a house was purchased at 780 Madison Av, For almost 30 years this was the home away from home for hundreds of Italian immigrants who came to Bridgeport during the 60's and the 70's. Here is where many came to find a little of what they left in Italy. They came for a cup of espresso, a game of cards and most importantly, they came every Sunday morning to see "THE" game, to support the favorite soccer team and argue about it. Of course the Club was the meeting place to talk about the past, the hometowns and the traditions still very much alive today. The membership grew to well over 100. For many years Circolo Sportivo sponsored the Bridgeport Italian Soccer Team, a very integral part of the club, which went on to win several division "A" Connecticut Championships as well as the Connecticut State Cup. The team, although no longer part of the Club, still exists today under the management and direction of Andrea and Peter Dora. In addition to team sponsorship, the members of the Circolo Sportivo have also always been active in community affairs sponsoring fund raisings and other social events. Fund raising events took place to help those people many suffered through personal tragedies, such a the loss of a loved one, or tragedies of larger proportions like raising money for the people who were effected by the 1984 and 2001 earthquakes in Southern Italy as well as raising money for families of the firefighters and police men and women who lost their life on 9/11/2001, offering the use of the Club's facilities to the Sister's of Charity for their annual Christmas party for underprivileged children, and much more. During the late 1980's and early 1990's the membership dwindled to less than 100. Demographically things were changing fast. Many of the old time members move out of Bridgeport into the suburbs, many, sadly, passed away; fewer and fewer of us were coming over from Italy. On top of everything, in 1998, an accidental fire burned the Club's premises to the ground. But the members and the administration persevered in keeping the "CLUB" together and alive. While deciding what course of action to take, they rented space of a building in upper Main Street, in Bridgeport. After a year they moved from there and rented a store front on the corner of Broklawn av. and Suburbam Av. always in Bridgeport. Meanwhile the decision was made not to rebuild on Madison av. but to find another building or a lot with more space and parking. In 1999 a lot was purchased on the corner of Park and Lincoln av. in Bridgeport, across from Saint Margaret Shrine and through the efforts of dozens of people a beautiful 4000 square building was constructed. Complete with a full bar, an indoor bocce court and plenty of room to socialize, play some cards or watch one of the 6 TV strategically located at every corner. But the pride and joy is the 3,500 square foot Hall with a capacity of almost 200 people, which is used for many occasions including weddings, anniversaries, birthday parties and social dances held by the Club. It's only fair to mention the following Companies who provided equipment and man power for the construction of the Club, at no cost: Star Construction; Fer.Nap Construction; Sound Construction; Advanced Steel Co., Park City Construction; Julian Construction; The most heartfelt thanks and gratitude goes to ALL of the members and non-members, too many to mention, who through donation, the use of equipment, time, money and skill helped to build the new Club. Meanwhile, the current membership has multiplied and is 230 strong, and the best part is that it's made up of first, second and even third generation Italians The future looks great as Circolo Sportivo Italo Americano keeps the Italian tradition alive in the Bridgeport area. |