On Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th, Cosenza was the showcase of Paralympic athletics on the occasion of the Fispes regional championships, with the Nemo Cosenza athletes as protagonists engaged between track and platform.
Above all, the spotlight was on the performance of Francesco Imperio, a young talent from the Paralympic youth national team, author of a performance of great technical depth. In the 100 meters he set his personal best (PB) with a time of 12.48, confirming a path of constant growth. The debut in the long jump was also excellent, finishing with a measurement of 5.05 metres, a result that highlights the athlete’s versatility and ample room for improvement.
Despite his young age, Imperio already boasts an important CV: he is the under-17 European champion in the 100 meters and has taken part in numerous national and international meetings, consolidating his presence in the Paralympic scene.
International objectives
The athlete’s journey now continues at an international level: from 21 to 23 May he will be busy in Nottwil, Switzerland, wearing the Italian national team jersey, for a stage of the Grand Prix organized by the World Para Athletics, a high-level competitive event.
Good indications also from Andrea Giordano, protagonist in the 400 and 800 metres, with encouraging performances in view of the Italian Championships scheduled for July in Grosseto.
The demonstration
Present at the event were Daniele Maletta, FISPES regional delegate and organizer of the event, and Deborah Granata, provincial delegate of the CIP, testifying to the institutional synergy in support of the Paralympic movement. The races were held in collaboration with FIDAL Calabria led by president Vincenzo Caira.