The technical and organisational expertise behind the Turin Acro Cup
The Turin Acro Cup draws on the collaboration of professionals with consolidated experience in acrobatic gymnastics and the organisation of international sporting events.
Marco Palella is the director and principal organiser of the Turin Acro Cup, a role he has held since the event's inception in 2013. As Event Director, Palella oversees all logistical, institutional and operational aspects of the competition, from strategic planning and international delegation relations to venue coordination and liaison with local authorities. Over more than a decade at the helm, he has been instrumental in transforming the Turin Acro Cup from a local initiative into a recognised international competition, building a network of partnerships with clubs and federations across more than fifteen countries and driving consistent growth in both participation and organisational quality.
Co-founder of the Turin Acro Cup, Mattia Contardi has worked alongside Marco Palella in the management and organisation of the event since its inaugural edition in 2013. As Logistics Manager, he is responsible for the entire logistical chain of the competition: from planning and optimising transport arrangements for international delegations to coordinating arrival schedules, registration procedures and transfers for each participating club. With over 25 clubs travelling from more than 15 countries, his coordination work is essential to ensuring that every delegation — from the large British contingents to teams arriving from the United Arab Emirates — receives punctual reception and seamless organisational support from the moment they arrive in Turin.
Ana Margarida Roque Pires is responsible for everything that takes place on the competition floor. As Competition Director, the adherence to schedules, programming and the correct sequencing of competitive routines falls entirely under her supervision. Margarida coordinates the largest group of volunteers at the event, exercising detailed control over every operational aspect of the competition area: from athlete entry onto the podium to rotation management, warm-up timing and preparation protocols. She is also responsible for the awards protocol, overseeing the organisation of medal ceremonies at the conclusion of each day of finals.
Maria Eleonora Fiorenti serves as the central point of reference for all administrative and operational management outside the competition floor. As Back Office Manager, her scope encompasses the entire organisational lifecycle of the event: from managing delegation accreditation procedures to the composition and administration of judging panels, from distributing official communications to all participants — staff, volunteers and delegations — to coordinating secretarial operations. She is the primary operational contact for delegations in all phases before and after competition, ensuring a constant and structured flow of information between the organisation and all stakeholders involved.
The Turin Acro Cup 2026 will welcome gymnasts from clubs across the European continent and beyond. In the 2024 edition, the competition saw the participation of 375 athletes representing 25 international clubs from over 8 countries, including the United Kingdom, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, Estonia, Azerbaijan, Italy and Ireland.
The variety of categories offered — from Beginners to Seniors — enables the participation of athletes with different levels of experience, from young gymnasts at their first competitive outings to high-level competitors. This characteristic makes the Turin Acro Cup an inclusive and formative event, capable of offering every participant an opportunity for qualified international exchange.
The complete list of clubs and athletes registered for the 2026 edition will be published once registrations have closed. For information on participating in the competition as a club or delegation, please contact the organisation at info@turinacrocup.com.