True Love. The Power of Words. This is the message Vero Volley, in collaboration with Action Agency and Champions for Change, has shared with the world through its 2025 calendar. A celebration of love rooted in respect, inclusion, and equality, the project firmly stands against all forms of violence, especially gender-based.
The calendar, unveiled today at the Boga Space in Milan, showcases the faces and voices of athletes from the Serie A1 women’s and Superlega men’s teams. Through striking imagery, these champions lend their presence to emphasize the importance of respect in intellectual, physical, psychological, and environmental dimensions—the essence of True Love.
A Creative Collaboration for a Greater Cause
The project brings together an impressive team: photographer Maki Galimberti, art director Sergio Pappalettera, videographer Enrico Mottola, and body painter Mr. Schultz, all coordinated by Manuela Ronchi, CEO of Action Holding. Renowned author and linguistic intelligence expert Paolo Borzacchiello lent his words to amplify the calendar’s message.
Alessia Orro, captain of Numia Vero Volley Milano, expressed her pride:
“It was a beautiful experience, and as athletes, we stepped out of our comfort zone to deliver an important message. While posing isn’t our usual work, I enjoyed the process, especially because of the shared values behind it.”
Osmany Juantorena, spiker for MINT Vero Volley Monza, added:
“This was my first experience creating a calendar. It’s not just about beautiful images—it’s about making a commitment to a meaningful cause. We’re proud to have participated.”
A Celebration of Core Values
Each month of the calendar highlights key values, represented by players from both teams:
- Liberty: Ivan Zaytsev & Myriam Sylla
- Trust: Arthur Szwarc & Anna Danesi
- Wonder: Taylor Averill & Elena Pietrini
- Connection and Loyalty: Ibrahim Lawani, Ludovica Guidi & Leandro Mosca
- Support and Understanding: Juliette Gelin, Satomi Fukudome & Marco Gaggini
- Sharing: Gabriele Di Martino & Helena Cazaute
- Happiness, Generosity, and Complicity: Luka Marttila, Radostina Marinova, Matteo Picchio & Lamprini Konstantinidou
- Joy: Alessia Orro & Fernando Kreling
- Respect: Laura Heyrman & Thomas Beretta
- Cordiality: Erik Rohrs & Nika Daalderop
- Spontaneity, Balance, and Kindness: Filippo Mancini, Anastasia Guerra, Hena Kurtagic & Lee Woo-Jin
- Courage: Osmany Juantorena & Paola Egonu
An Evening of Art and Impact
The unveiling event featured an exhibition attended by over 150 participants. Several fine art reproductions of the calendar’s images were auctioned, raising over €7,000 for Piesse, an association supporting emergency services at Niguarda Hospital. Additional prints will be available through Vero Volley’s channels.
A Broader Mission of Social Responsibility
The initiative is part of Vero Volley’s Emmeline Project, which combats abuse, discrimination, and gender violence. It aligns with Champions for Change, a sports social responsibility movement endorsed by the UN SDG Action Campaign to promote the UN’s 2030 Agenda goals.
Available Now: A Calendar with Purpose
The True Love – The Power of Words 2025 calendar is now available for purchase:
- Standard Edition: €25
- Limited Edition: €50
Proceeds will support ChangeTheGame, the first Italian association dedicated to fighting sexual, emotional, and physical violence in sports.
The calendar features 36 glossy, black-and-white pages (300gsm), including a signature page from all players and behind-the-scenes images. The limited edition comes in a luxury box, accompanied by a dedicated T-shirt, an 8-page fanzine, and 12 silver paper postcards (13×18 cm).
Experience the power of True Love. Support the cause.
