First Italian Paralympic Centre inaugurated in Rome

“This leading centre will become a home for many kids and adults with impairment who seek to show what can be accomplished in sports."

History has been made by the Paralympic Movement in Italy as the first Paralympic Centre ‘Cittadella dello Sport’ was inaugurated in Rome on 25 September.

Numerous national and Paralympic authorities attended the event, including Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Minister of Sports Luca Lotti, Rome Mayor Virginia Raggi and Italian Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Luca Pancalli.

“This leading centre will become a home for many kids and adults with impairment who seek to show what can be accomplished in sports,” said Mattarella.

Athletes will be able to train across nine sports at the seven hectare site: athletics, Para dance sport, football-5-a-side, goalball, swimming, table tennis, torball, wheelchair fencing and wheelchair tennis.

A further EUR 6,500,000 will be invested to build a multi-functional arena and a guest house.

“This will be a place for sports, culture and education to converge. It is the first Italian Paralympic Centre and one of the few in Europe. It is the fulfillment of a dream,” added Pancalli.

The full story can be found on the Italian Paralympic Committee’s website.