This morning, within the ‘Europa Experience - David Sassoli’ exhibition space at the European Parliament in Rome, ‘Il 3 dicembre è di tutti’ (‘3 December belongs to everyone’) was held, an event dedicated to the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

The gathering was opened by a video message from FIGC President Gabriele Gravina, who is currently in Hamburg ahead of the EURO 2024 draw.  

“Football is for everyone, something I firmly believe in,” said Gravina. “With this in mind, the FIGC became the first federation in the world to launch a Paralympic and Experimental Football Division (DCPS).  The dedication of all the athletes in the Division help us see football through its purest values, as a vehicle for inclusion, friendship and fun.”

After Gravina, the floor was passed to the president of the Italian Paralympic Committee, Luca Pancalli: “There is no doubt that the FIGC has really helped to drive the spread of football for people with disabilities. Underpinning everything is the sheer power of this sport and the passion with which it’s practised at every level.”

Meanwhile, DCPS president Franco Carraro looked back at the past in his opening remarks: “The first edition of the Paralympic Games was held in Rome, coinciding with the 1960 Olympics. Since we are guests of the European Parliament, I’d like to emphasise how Europe has always played a leading role on this front. Carraro then mentioned the DCPS’ very strong numerical growth, both in terms of teams (180) and registered athletes (approximately 3,000).”

There was also a speech from the president of the Lega Nazionale Dilettanti (National Amateur League), Giancarlo Abete, who, in his remarks, mentioned how each LND Regional Committee has been equipped with a Social Department, while there was also time for questions from invited school students. Furthermore, two DCPS club athletes - Denise Donato (Insuperabili) and Eugenio Torrente (Integra Sport) - took centre stage, moving those in attendance by recalling their experiences practising sport.

Today’s event is just the first of a series of initiatives that the FIGC/DCPS is dedicating to the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. In close collaboration with all the Italian football leagues (Serie A, B, Lega Pro and LND), various activities will take place across stadiums throughout the country: stadium announcers will read out a special message and, where possible, a clip dedicated to the Day will be played on the big screens. Furthermore, delegations composed of athletes belonging to local DCPS clubs - in some cases directly affiliated with the teams taking to the pitch - will parade around the pitch.

Finally, in the sports centres where DCPS matches are played, ad hoc events will be organised over the weekend, at the end of which all participants will receive FIGC goodies, with all this taking place in an atmosphere of celebration and sharing.