Alessandra Phillips writes:
Riccardo Vitale was a longtime Cerea member. One of the Silverskiff organizers, he handled foreign competitors with grace and tact, whether patiently calming frantic elites, or listening to masters rowers who needed help with the language barrier. I was proud to have made his acquaintance, he was an incredibly kind man, and I regret I did not thank him in time for his work. The translation below is for all the foreigners he helped over the years.
ROME, Dec. 15, 2011 - The Italian Rowing Federation, unfortunately, once again in mourning. This afternoon, Riccardo Vitale, an honorary member of the Italian Rowing Federation and president of Turin rowing club CEREA from 2001 to 2006, was killed in a car accident. All lovers of Silverskiff, but not limited to these, were well acquainted with Vitale, a lawyer and dynamic character that already under the presidency of Giorgio Ponte was distinguished as one of the main proponents of growth of the Turin-based boat club. We give thanks, not only from the competitive point of view but also for his work with members, the building, and, above all, the Silverskiff, an event that has become a classic winter rowing internationally thanks to his tireless work.
The Federation President Enrico Gandola and the Federation Council join in mourning with the Vitale family and CEREA, remembering a great man of sport.
The original announcement, in Italian, can be found here.