Disability is often considered a barrier, something that makes one person different from another. The theme of inclusion manages to overlook this prejudice and highlights how each individual is unique and special. These values were enclosed in the crossing that took place this morning, from 7.30, in the suggestive setting of the Strait of Messina and which has protagonists numerous athletes, Paralympic and not, on the occasion of the celebration of the 160 years of the Coast Guard. The team – with in the front line Massimiliano Ossinione morning conductor – started From the Capo Peloro beach with the aim of reaching the one in front of Cannitelloat Villa San Giovanni.
The arrival of the participants was broadcast live on one morning And to welcome them on the Calabrian shore was the correspondent Massimo Tosi, who was able to grasp the first impressions and emotions of this amazing experience. The first to be interviewed was Massimiliano Ossini, who highlighted how the group was made up of people with different stories from each other: boys and girls of the Paralympic team of Calabria, winners of silver and bronze medals at the Olympics, the canoe champion Giovanni De Gennaro and the members of the Coast Guard.
One of the protagonists was Irene, a former oncological patientwho faced the crossing ten times: “I am here representing women who fight against breast cancer. Sport unites, is inclusive and without barriers, so we are here to celebrate life”. Another witness of this beautiful initiative was Denise, suffering from a motor disability and whose strength- as Tosi pointed out- was an example for everyone: “In the water there was no difference between Olympic and Paralympic athletes”. Ossini recalled the healthy principles behind this significant initiative: the importance of healthy nutrition and sport and “the sea as a union”. Giovanni De Gennaro, winner of the gold medal at the Olympics and who just finished the World Cup recently, immediately welcomed the invitation to participate with great enthusiasm, traveling with a plane that led him tonight so far. The athlete underlined the beauty of this event: “Of the sport I often live only the agonism, instead it is beautiful when it unites, it is beautiful when you do it together, it is not necessary to prevail”. A unique initiative to celebrate the anniversary of the “Angels of the sea”- so called by Ossines- who for 160 years have protected women and men every day from the pitfalls of the waters. (as)