Carmelo Cannizzaro has most certainly left his mark on our sport and following a very brave year-long battle with illness, passed away on February 3rd. His close friend, the President of the Italian Waterski & Wakeboard Federation, Luciano Serafica, stated “We were aware of the dreadful disease and despite knowing it’s gravity, I hoped till a few weeks ago that the treatment would be effective but alas it was not to be. We have lost a friend, an admirable man, a person who will remain forever in our hearts”
Carmelo was truly a lover of water sports. Starting initially as an athlete, then a youth instructor and finally as an international boat driver. Thirty years ago, he entered the Torino ski area discovering the lake of Club Torino Marco Merlo. His career in water skiing brought him to the highest level as an IWWF international boat driver.
He mastered so many water sports, including water skiing, surfing and sailing. In Sailing, he excelled in offshore racing and with the boat “Nerina” took part in the 2013 World Championships in Ancona with excellent results. Carmelo’s last event was in Rome at the Europe Africa Over 35 Championships where his popularity added so greatly to the event.
“I lost a great and dear friend and my life will be different without Carmelo”, stated Luciano Serafica, President of the Italian Waterski & Wakeboard Federation. All in the International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation offer their condolences to his family and many friends in our sport worldwide. May he rest in peace.