A Day of Honor and Reflection for Philip George – Awarded Cittadinanza Affettiva in San Romano
On September 29th, the town of San Romano in Garfagnana, Tuscany witnessed a deeply moving ceremony as Philip George, author, former international athlete, and founder of the Philip George Foundation, was awarded the prestigious Cittadinanza Affettiva (Honorary Citizenship). This heartfelt recognition was presented during the Terre Meravigliose Festival by Sindaco Raffaella Mariani, acknowledging
- (1888PressRelease) October 10, 2024 - The event, held in the picturesque setting of Sagrato della Chiesa di San Romano, attracted a gathering of local residents, friends, and admirers, celebrating not only the award but also the strong bonds Philip has formed with the community since his arrival in Italy in 2012. It was a day filled with admiration for a man who has dedicated much of his life to service—both in Italy and abroad.
A Life of Courage and Connection
From his early days in Malaysia as an international-level badminton player to becoming a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales, Philip George’s life has been defined by perseverance and courage. His journey from an underprivileged background to an internationally recognized figure has inspired many, and his commitment to giving back is evident in the establishment of the Philip George Foundation.
The Foundation’s signature project, Fields of Dreams, is especially close to his heart. This initiative provides underprivileged children from India with life-changing opportunities to travel to England, where they experience educational, cultural, and athletic activities. It’s an ambitious project aimed at fostering cross-cultural understanding and empowering young minds from rural India to explore the world with greater confidence.
A Global Voice: "Racket Boy" and Beyond
During the ceremony, Philip also reflected on his recently published memoir, "Racket Boy", which details his incredible life journey. The book, already published in English, Italian, Spanish, and soon in Malayalam, has resonated with readers around the world, particularly in India, where Philip spent part of his youth and continues to engage through his Foundation's work. The Malayalam version will soon be available, offering yet another way for his inspiring story to reach a wider audience in India, where his mission to uplift and empower is of particular relevance.
Philip expressed deep gratitude to the community of San Romano, saying the day was "one of the best of my life," filled with humility and joy. The award symbolizes more than just honorary citizenship—it reflects a shared love and mutual respect between Philip and the people of this beautiful region.
Looking Forward: Empowering Youth and Expanding Horizons
In the coming months, the Philip George Foundation aims to expand its work in India through Fields of Dreams, offering more underprivileged children the chance to experience new cultures and ideas. Philip’s vision is to connect with Indian entrepreneurs and leaders, ensuring that young people from marginalized backgrounds have the tools to build successful futures. The sale of Racket Boy is also helping fund these initiatives, and it is available for purchase in multiple languages, making it accessible to readers and supporters worldwide.
An Invitation to Collaborate
As Philip continues to make an impact in Italy and beyond, his message of courage, resilience, and giving back has never been more important. Indian newspapers, media outlets, and organizations interested in learning more about his foundation’s work or conducting interviews are warmly invited to reach out. His ongoing projects represent an opportunity for Indian readers and philanthropists to become part of a larger mission—to empower the next generation to dream big and succeed against the odds.
###
space
space
Satisfied Users & 
Approved Press Releases
Print
Email
Report Spam