Special Olympics, on the torch at Palazzo Pirelli

“It is a beautiful event, an event that repeats itself. Now we have to focus on Torino 2025 And on these wonderful guys. I think it is the departure of an event that will be as important as the Olympics. It is a moment of inclusion “. The president of the Lombardy Region Attilio Fontana He spoke like this during the ceremony of igniting the special Olympics torch at Palazzo Lombardia, in Milan. An event that opens the path to i Winter World Gameswhich will take place in Turin this year.

“These guys have many things to express and you just have to give them the opportunity to do it. Sport is a way to do it.”

Special Olympics and inclusion

In the morning, the president of the Lombardy Regional Council Federico Romani had accepted in Piazza Duca d’Aosta, the torch of the Special Olympics: “Sport is a powerful vehicle. It addresses everyone without distinctions, speaks a universal language, promotes and spreads fundamental values ​​for the development of a healthy society such as merit, commitment, sacrifice, passion and determination. Above all, it is a powerful inclusion vehicle, capable of making our society better. The athletes who will participate in the Special Olympics have already won and send a clear message to all of us: you have to believe it. Always“.

I Special Olympics world winter games They will take place for the first time in Italy from 8 to 15 March, in Turin. Today, the Community Run Special Olympics, a symbolic event that marked the countdown to the great event, took place at the same time in all the regional capitals.

Picchi: “More than a sporting event”

Federica Picchi, Undersecretary of the Lombardy Region with delegation to sports and young people, said: “Special Olympics winter world games represent much more than a sporting event. They embody a global mission that enhances each person’s talent, promoting respect, dignity and self -determination through sport, thus contributing to the construction of a more fair and open society in the paratletic world. Special Olympics is the largest sports organization in the world for people with intellectual disabilities And his commitment translates every day into opportunities for growth, autonomy and recognition for thousands of athletes “.

The morning had opened with the presentation in the Biagi room, at Palazzo Lombardia, of the Lombard delegation which will represent the Region to Special Olympicsconsisting of 88 athletes who will compete in four disciplines: alpine skiing, cross -country skiing, sports dance and snowshoes.

After lighting the torch in Piazza Città di Lombardia, the athletes traveled a symbolic journey between Lombardy Palace e Palazzo Pirelli To bring the Olympic torch to the Tripode ignition ceremony in Piazza Duca d’Aosta, at the entrance of the headquarters of the Lombardy Regional Council. This edition of the games will see the participation of over 1,500 athletes from 102 nationsaccompanied by 1,000 coaches, 3,000 family members and 500 media representatives.