Free to be, free to play

Background The project comes from the idea of ​​reaching disabled people who have never played sports because they are not supported by their families, with the intention of improving their living conditions and allowing them to achieve greater independence. At the same time we want to help parents to be less afraid of their children's future. It also aims to raise awareness of the benefits of sport for disabled people, and to improve the health and well-being of participants. Objectives All objectives have been achieved.About 1,300 families were involved,440 disabled people played sports for the first time,221 parents took part in training activities,72 technicians were trained for activities with disabled,5 disabled adults were sent in training courses,3 intellectually disabled people were included in a 6-month paid sports work.6 public events were organised,awareness raising activities were carried out in 7 schools,13 social organizations and 9 sports clubs were involved. Implementation Due to the pandemic, the activities have been adapted to the new context.Already during the pandemic, attempts were made to hold meetings with parents and children online, but it was very difficult (see Request of Amendment). As soon as the lockdowns ended, information meetings with families and parenting support courses were organized. Then the sports activities were launched and at the same time all the others (awareness raising, training, events, trials). Achievements The number of participants was very high and about half of the parents changed their mind about sport for their disabled children. After the end of the project 60% of the participants are continuing the activities and the Capitani Coraggiosi action is restarting with the second edition, independently of the project. The project and its results were brought to the attention of local politicians and decision makers during the events.