“HOLA AND THE BIG DREAM” FLIES HIGH AGAIN: THIRD EDITION “A FRIEND FOREVER” PRESENTED

“Hola and the Big Dream” is flying high once more. The illustrated book created by Ternana Women and Almond Entertainment, now in its third edition, was presented in the evocative setting of Palazzo Primavera in Terni.

In the renovated auditorium, before a large audience, the new edition titled “A Friend Forever” was unveiled.

The morning opened with Grandma Luisa, seated on stage, reading the first lines of the book:

“This is a story about choices, courage, mistakes, and that strange feeling you get when you realize that growing up doesn’t mean stopping dreaming, but learning how to do it better.”

The project, supported by the Youth and School Sector and the Municipality of Terni, stems from the vision of president Stefano Bandecchi and CEO Paolo Tagliavento, who believed from the very beginning in the strength of an initiative capable of combining sport, education, and innovation.

“Hola is a young girl who loves football and dreams of a better world, one that can only be built by preserving and not forgetting our roots,” explained Ternana Women’s general and sporting director Isabella Cardone from the stage.

Written by Philip Osbourne and illustrated by Roberta Procacci, the book tells the story of Hola, a young Ternana Women footballer, focusing on determination and grit—key qualities for chasing one’s dreams.

Hola is deeply connected to an old pitch surrounded by a pine forest, a symbolic place of her childhood and family. When she discovers that the Municipality plans to build a new sports center, she fears that this special place could change forever. Driven by her love for that field and her passion for football, Hola tries to make her voice heard, but faces difficulties and moments of confusion, both on and off the pitch. At that point, she realizes how important it is to have role models: her grandmother, with her wisdom, and her coach, with his trust, help her find herself again and continue believing in what she feels is right. Thanks to their support, Hola understands that it is not enough to oppose change—you must build something. Together with her team and the community, she organizes an event in the pine forest that highlights the true value of that place. This gesture opens a new dialogue with the institutions, leading to a shared solution. Hola thus understands that football is not just a game, but a tool to give voice to ideas and change reality.

“The future does not erase who we are. It carries it forward and helps it grow.”

“It is the duty of institutions to make themselves available to people. It is not people who must reach the institutions, but the institutions that must step onto the field,” emphasized Alessia Quondam, Councillor for Sport of the Municipality of Narni.

The cover of this third edition portrays Hola together with her grandmother. “I like to imagine that this lady was one of the first Italian female footballers,” commented Fabio Moscatelli, president of ANSMeS Terni, recalling a fundamental principle of sport: “You cannot stand alone—we all need someone to lend a hand”.

Among the guests were also Riccardo Giubilei (Extraordinary Commissioner of CONI Umbria), Giulia Brizi (Regional Head of Sport e Salute), Stefano Morricciani (Regional Delegate for Women’s Football), and the principals of the Leonardo Da Vinci and Orazio Nucula schools.

“Hola and the Big Dream” is a free illustrated book dedicated to children, where words and images blend effectively. “The brain needs to be guided and stimulated, even in a fun way. And with Hola, that’s exactly what happens,” highlighted Tiziana Laudadio, Councillor for Education and Culture of the Municipality of Terni.

During the event, Francesca Valetto, Technical Manager of the Calcio+ Project and assistant coach of the Italy Under-15 national team, also contributed, underlining the educational value of the journey:

“Every attitude, every word spoken or unspoken affects the character and development of young athletes. Empathy is essential: we must listen, stay close to the girls, and support them along their growth path”.

Meanwhile, the project has grown alongside its protagonist, going beyond national borders and preparing to move to television. “I am proud to announce that Hola will become a web cartoon and will air on Sky,” said Dario Gulli, creative director of Almond Entertainment.

The event was moderated by Martina Santoro, who actively engaged the audience, especially students from the Leonardo Da Vinci and Orazio Nucula schools in Terni. In the final part, they became the protagonists, reading excerpts from the book and interacting with the first-team players, present along with the technical and medical staff, as well as representatives of the youth sector.

Then, as always, the most anticipated moment: over 200 people holding the book in their hands and sharing a collective gesture. Hola flying high once again. A simple way to close—and at the same time, to begin again.