There was great enthusiasm for the return of the regional stages of Play The Games 2016 organized by the Special Olympics. The sporting event was held in Lecco last 28th and 29th May.

As many as 160 athletes with intellectual disabilities challenged themselves to various athletic disciplines for a day devoted entirely to sport, celebration, friendship and integration.

The special athletes hailed from Brescia, Crema, Lecco, Lodi, Montebelluna, Rho, Treviso, Vigevano and also the Republic of San Marino.

Held for the first time last year, Play the Games has transformed the National Games into numerous interregional appointments that allow the association to embrace the whole of Italy, thus increasing the number of opportunities for participation for a growing number of special athletes.

Accompanying the participants at this event in Lombardy were not only their families, but, as usual, a great number of volunteers, and among them us too.

The Mitsubishi Electric volunteer team had 30 members there over the two days to accompany, support and encourage the athletes in facing their challenges.

The opening ceremony was also attended by the President of the Mitsubishi Electric Italian Branch, Itaru Watanabe, who was delighted to be able to support this year's Special Olympics.

The Mitsubishi Electric Italian Branch, ​​through its Corporate Social Responsibility Programme, highlights the importance of social integration and sees sport as an excellent tool for raising awareness, promoting and supporting integration and educating young people to understand and value diversity.