Federico Vergari's 'Atlante illustrato degli sport inusuali' explores unusual sports worldwide

Federico Vergari, a journalist and writer, has published 'Atlante illustrato degli sport inusuali', an illustrated atlas of unusual sports aimed at young adults. The book features illustrations by Loris De Marco and covers lesser-known international disciplines such as Rock Paper Scissors championships, Pillow Fighting, Cheerleading (originating in the late 1800s as a male activity, now 97% female in the US), Ulama (a ball game from 15th-century Mexico), Bossball and Indiaca from Brazil, Chessboxing from the Netherlands, Basque Pelota from Spain, Kabbadi from India, Chinlone from Myanmar, Yukigassen from Japan, and Camel Racing from Australia. It also reveals that Quidditch, inspired by Harry Potter, has a real-world championship with 1,500 teams worldwide. The book includes a decalogue for readers to invent their own sport. Published on Artspecialday, the work is described as an altruistic text designed to help young adults grow through reading.