Parma, April 29, 2026 - University of Parma and Special Olympics Italy together under the banner of sport as a tool for inclusiveness. This is the underlying spirit of the framework agreement presented this morning at the ParmaUniverCity Info Point, which lays the foundation for a wide-ranging collaboration.
The press conference was attended by the Rector Paolo Martelli, the Vice President of Special Olympics Italy Roberto Ghiretti, the Rector's Delegate for Sports Giuliana Gobbi, representatives and Special Olympics athlete(s): Michele Sotgiu, Francesco Mosca and Irene Baccanti, accompanied by Elisabetta Giambisi.
The agreement points to one of the cornerstones of the commitment of Special Olympics, a reality that has always been committed to raising awareness about the capabilities of people with intellectual disabilities: the great inclusive power of sports.
Based on the agreement, numerous joint activities will be developed, some of which are already active. These include, for example: sports events; internships on sports, inclusion, disability, Psychology and others; participation of professional figures and athletes(s) from Special Olympics Italy in the University's educational activities, with testimonials and/or theoretical/demonstrative/practical interventions; joint conception of new training courses on specific topics, e.g., training of "inclusive coaches." promotion of Dual Career between registered athletes and Special Olympics registered athletes in the different youth and adult categories; willingness on the part of the University, through its own and its own professors, to support Special Olympics in different areas of interest, including, for example, performance evaluation of athletes and female athletes, the psychological field, the field of health in general, the managerial field, the legal field.
The agreement also mentions joint activities in the context of Parma Youth Capital 2027.
In 2027 Parma will also be the Capital of Inclusive Sport: the agreement between the University of Parma and Special Olympics Italy fits ideally into this framework and grafts itself into an already very fertile terrain. In fact, Parma has a long and solid tradition on these issues, also considering the rich associational fabric of the city and the territory.
For Parma 2027, the courses of Motor Sciences of the University of Parma are developing an Academy (UniPR Sport Special), in collaboration with Special Olympics, to spread the knowledge and practice of sports adapted to disabilities, with cross-curricular educational workshops for students of the University and secondary schools.
Sports, in fact, can be a tool for prevention, health maintenance and well-being of people, promoting the improvement of metabolic, physiological and cognitive parameters. With Special Olympics, sport, in addition to bringing these benefits to female and male athletes, becomes a tool for inclusion, relationships, sociality and fun. Special Olympics, moreover, is internationalization, organization and management of major sporting events and communication, themes central to several degree courses at the University.
Special Olympics and Special Olympics Italy
Special Olympics is a global movement that, through unified sport, aims to create a world of inclusion and respect, where every single person is accepted and welcomed, regardless of their ability or disability.
The Unified Sports program - through which athletes with and without intellectual disabilities have the opportunity to play together on the same team - lays the foundation for overcoming any stereotypes or prejudices. Sport unites, helps understanding and knowledge, fostering a culture of respect to which to educate young men and women.
It is in this direction that Special Olympics Italy works at 360 degrees for a future that does not look at differences but at people, that does not speak exclusively of integration but of inclusion. Special Olympics Italia, recognized as an Association Benemerita by CONI and CIP, has been present since 1983 and operates in all regions through Special Olympics Teams that train athletes and female athletes in numerous sports disciplines: from athletics to tennis, badminton to rugby, rowing to horseback riding and much more.
