Messina: the sailing boat “Serendipity” launched, the first accessible to people with disabilities
A step forward for social inclusion in the WAY – Welfare Activity for Young project of the Messina Social City Special Company.
Messina: the sailing boat “Serendipity” launched, the first accessible to people with disabilities.
It was launched yesterday, Friday 26 July, at the headquarters of the Naval League of Messina “Serendipity”, the first boat inclusive and accessible to people with disabilities. The initiative, the result of a joint collaboration between the Municipal Administration through the Departments of Social Policies and Sport and Messina Social City within the framework of WAY project – Welfare Activity for Young, in synergy with the Naval League and the Coast Guard of Messina. The launching ceremony of the sailing boat was attended by the mayor Federico Basile, participated in thecouncilor Alessanda Calafiore and the president of Messina Social City Valeria Asquini; the provincial delegate of the CIP Francesco Giorgio; the national president of the Naval League admiral Donato Marzano and for the Naval League Messina section the president Giuseppe Soraci and the sporting director Alessandro Billè; the commander of the Port Authority of Messina Francesco Terranova; and other institutional representatives of the City.
“We welcomed this project with enthusiasm and the launching ceremony is proof that only with commitment and passion can we achieve great things”, said Mayor Basile. “If to this we add the collaboration and in this case the partnership with the Naval League, it has allowed us to create something extraordinary for our community, aimed at improving the quality of life of citizens, in particular of people with disabilities, allowing let them live the unique and enriching experience of sailing. Thank you all for your dedication." concluded Basile.
For councilor Calafiore “A project that gives added value to our territory and to the lives of many people. Seeing the sea from a new perspective – said the Councilor – it can bring immense joy to those who have not had this opportunity.”
“Once again the Municipal Administration and the Messina Social City are turning their attention to promoting an inclusive and welcoming society and through the WAY project we are creating profitable synergies throughout the territory involving numerous sports associations. This sailboat – added President Asquini – represents the possibility of turning a dream into reality. Serendipity is not only a symbol of inclusion, but also represents a new opportunity for many young people with disabilities to experience the sea and its beauty, making sport accessible to all."
"Bringing children with disabilities into the sea was the dream shared with President Asquini which has become reality today. I thank everyone who collaborated in the creation of the inclusive project which offers the children the opportunity to experience an experience full of stimuli and in contact with the sea", thus President Soraci; to which Billè added, “we seized the opportunity of the WAY project because it is capable of breaking down the physical, cultural and economic barriers that prevent young people with disabilities from experiencing their passion for the sea".
Giorgio also highlighted the importance of make the territory accessible to all through sports disciplines"Sport for people with disabilities is possible and we are demonstrating that we can achieve important results like this."
Admiral Marzano also thanked the Basile executive and Messina Social City for having contributed to equipping the naval headquarters in Messina with a new and innovative vessel. “An all-Italian vessel that will be placed as the flagship of the other 68 inclusive boats available to the Lega Navale throughout Italy. An important purchase not only for the social purpose but because it shows that public money can be spent well”, Marzano said.
Commander Terranova assured in praising the initiative the presence of the Coast Guard “always ready to be alongside those who promote the culture of the sea and the inclusion of people, including those with motor disabilities, in maritime activities”.
“Serendipity” will be operational starting next week. People with motor disabilities, every Tuesday and Thursday, from 9 to 11, supported by specialized technicians, will be able to enjoy the beauty of the Strait on board the sailing boat.
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