By Antonis Stroggylakis/ info@eurohoops.net
It has been 80 years since Olimpia Milano was founded in 1936. Nothing less than a lifetime. Since then, the Italian club has been a powerhouse not only in Italy, but Europe in general, winning 31 domestic titles (26 championships and 5 cups), three European Champions Cups (1966, 1987, 1988), three European Cup Winners Cup (1971, 1972, 1976), two Korac Cups (1985, 1993) and one intercontinental title in 1987.
An illustrious collection of triumphs for one of the most historic clubs in European basketball. Milano began the celebrations for its 80th anniversary, with a quite emotional event in “Sala Buzzati”, in Milan, with various team legends (Dan Peterson, Dino Meneghin, Sandro Gamba, Arthur Kenney, Franco Casalini, Franco Boselli, Giando Ongaro and coach Dan Peterson) being present.
Dino Meneghin recalled the transition from being an opponent, to one of the most iconic Milano players ever. “I was in Varese when Dan Peterson (coach) and Toni Cappellari (Sports Director) convinced me to come to Milano.” Meneghin was part of the squad that won the back – to – back European Championships in 1987 and 1988. “What is Milano? Emotion and history. A way of life. Desire to win. But in Olimpia, if you bring home a championship, you are a champion only until midnight. The next day, we started again” said Meneghin.
“Olimpia Milano remains forever” were Arthur Kenney’s words. The American forward played for Milano from 1970 to 1973, winning two European titles and the Italian double in 1972. “Everyone recognizes Olimpia Milano as a value that exceeds time and distance. That’s what have impressed me the most”
Club president Livio Proli also took the stage, connecting, in a way, the past and future of the team. “The values of Olimpia Milano are also those of the Armani Group”, he commented. “Mr. Giorgio Armani purchased the club in an act of courage. We entered basketball when Siena dominated, but with work and sacrifice we managed to beat them in 2014. It was an act of justice”. And what does the future hold for Milano? “We want to return to the top also in Europe. Mr. Armani is studying a way to make the club even stronger over the long run”