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A trailblazing Serie A star and “unofficial World Cup” winner was the guest of honour at a celebration in Hamilton to launch a new Italian heritage charity. Ciao Lanarkshire has been set up by friends Katia Blackstock, Corinna Sala and Maria Capasso to celebrate Italian culture, hosting events throughout the year and aiming to set up a programme of cookery and language classes. The trio welcomed a host of guests to the launch event at the Avonbridge Hotel – including pioneering footballer Rose Reilly, who moved from her home in Scotland to France as a teenager to pursue her dreams and then joined AC Milan, where she won eight Serie A titles and four Italian Cups as well as going on to star for the Azzurri. Around 100 supporters of Ciao Lanarkshire attended the gala party night, including a host of Scottish-Italian business owners; and were treated to a glamorous night of food and live entertainment. The busy new group is the brainchild of friends Katia, Corrina and Maria, who all come from Italy but met in Scotland and wanted to set up their community interest company to connect the Scots-Italian community throughout Lanarkshire as well as promoting the country’s heritage, culture and language. Now they have been given the seal of approval by footballer Rose – who was banned from continuing to represent Scotland because she had moved abroad, going on to swap allegiances and play for Italy – including captaining and scoring for her adopted nation in their winning final at the 1984 Mundialito, the precursor to the women’s World Cup, and being voted the best player in the world that year. Rose, now a women’s team ambassador at Celtic among other roles in the game, said: “I am very happy to support this worthy cause – I’m glad there’s an organisation like Ciao Lanarkshire around for people who have Italian family or are just interested in Italian culture. “I am very proud of my Italian connections and describe myself as a Scottish Italian. That’s why it’s great for me to get behind a charity that celebrates Italian culture and encourages those with Italian heritage to keep it alive.” Ciao Lanarkshire was set up by Hamilton residents Katia and Corinna and friend Jimena, of Larkhall. Katia and Jimena first met 20 years ago when both worked at the same hotel which hosted their charity launch, and became firm friends with Corinna for more than a decade after meeting at the local library. Katia, who grew up in Puglia in southerm Italy, added: “There are thousands of families in Lanarkshire who were either born in Italy or have Italian heritage. Sadly, within generations many of their links with their homeland can disappear – we want to try and make sure that doesn’t happen and want to keep the traditions alive and celebrate what makes us Italian. “Of course, Ciao Lanarkshire will feature a heavy Scottish twist as well. We are proud of our Scottish Italian identity and look forward to putting on a range of events.” Their first will be a Festa di Carnevale event in February – a traditional Italian celebration held before Lent and described as “a joyful and colourful festival with masks, costumes, music, and typical sweets such as chiacchiere and frittelle”. Katia added: “It’s not something that’s usually celebrated in Scotland, so we’re very excited to bring a bit of Italian tradition to Lanarkshire!” More information on the Italian heritage group is available by following Ciao Lanarkshire on Facebook or emailing ciaolanarkshire@gmail.com, with the group organisers adding: “We’d love to hear from anyone who’d like to get involved.” * Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here . And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook ? Head on over and give us a like and share!
