The Defence Paralympic Sports Group swims across the Strait of Messina

Immagini messe a disposizione con licenza
CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 DEED

Military and civilian athletes from the Defence Paralympic sports Group (GSDP) swam across the Strait of Messina for the third consecutive year, spanning the 3,800 metres sea stretch separating Sicily from the Calabria coast.

The athletes were accompanied I their enterprise – 3,800 metres of courage and team spirit- by Undersecretary of State for Defence Isabella Rauti, who was delegated by Minister Crosetto to cover GSD activities and promote military sports activities. The Undersecretary followed the performance from aboard a vessel with an Italian Navy military and civilian crew. 

“I am honoured and moved by having shared the enterprise of the GSDP athletes, confirming the role of sports as a driver for social inclusion and actual solidarity.  Following them from a oat is different from waiting for them at the arrival point: it means understanding all the efforts and the incredible commitment with which these champions tackle challenges and overcome every limitation, not only in sports practice but in their everyday lives”, Undersecretary Rauti said at the end of the crossing.

“The crossing was a success, for the athletes who were its protagonists as well as for the organizers, confirming once more the Defence Ministry’s sensitivity toward the inclusion of the disabled and sports practice”, Undersecretary Rauti concluded.