FEDERAZIONE ASSOCIAZIONI RICREATIVE ITALIANE (F.A.R.I.)
A work of the *Gioventù Femminile* of Azione Cattolica, established in Rome in 1944 and extended to Northern Italy immediately after the Liberation (1945). Its aim is to offer wholesome and Christian recreation to the mass of young Italian women. It operates in four sectors: sports, amateur dramatics, choral singing, and tourism.
**Organization:** At the center is a National Committee based in Rome (Largo Cavalleggeri, 32), headed by a National Director appointed by the Central Council of the *Gioventù Femminile* of Azione Cattolica. The National Committee includes ex officio the National Chaplain, a secretary, a treasurer, and technical experts for the various sectors of activity. In the provinces, there are Provincial and Municipal Committees that coordinate sports, amateur dramatic, and choral groups of the *Gioventù Femminile* of Azione Cattolica and other affiliated groups, provided they fully accept the Christian inspiration of their recreational activities. At the national level, there is also a Study Commission composed of priests, moral theology professors, and physicians tasked with addressing issues related to women's sports. The F.A.R.I. is more developed in the North, particularly in sports activities.
Membership is required to participate in various initiatives. For sports activities, members can benefit from accident insurance through contracts in place with the Centro Sportivo Italiano (an initiative of the *Gioventù Maschile* of Azione Cattolica).
**Publications:** From 1945 to 1948, a monthly newsletter called *Fari* was published for all members. Currently, a bulletin titled *Comunicati per le dirigenti* is issued.
**Activities:** These are carried out both nationally and internationally, though most occur locally, as the F.A.R.I.'s activities are primarily recreational rather than competitive. Notable are national and international sports meetings, particularly with France, with similar Catholic organizations in the following sports: volleyball, basketball, tennis, figure skating, and track and field. A significant and distinctive activity is the organization of national student championships for middle schools.
For its limited competitive activities, the F.A.R.I. collaborates with Italian national sports federations through appropriate agreements modeled on those of the Centro Sportivo Italiano. The F.A.R.I. is affiliated with the *Bureau pour le sport féminin*, linked to the International Federation of Catholic Women's Leagues. As of 1950, the National Director of the F.A.R.I., Dr. Mariella Braidotti, serves as its vice-president.
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