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On the track, in support of the Special Olympics

During Winter National Games of Bardionecchia a group of volunteers of italian branch, together with the President supported the competing athletes, they encouraged and helped them to face up anytime of the demonstration.  

Il gruppo di volontari e volontarie

500 Special Olympics athletes, 400 family members, 300 volunteers, 200 technicians, 100 helpers and 50 accredited sports teams: these are the numbers for the Special Olympics XIX Winter National Games, carried out at Bardonecchia (Valsusa), from the 18th to the 24th of March. The event was heralded with a Torch Run, the relay race which included athletes and representatives of the law enforcement agencies who escorted the Olympic Flame to the Opening Ceremony of the Games.

The racing athletes challenged themselves at various sporting specialities: From Alpine skiing to the cross-country skiing, from snow shoe races to snowboarding. During the competitions, the Special Olympics athletes will stage their extraordinary capabilities faithful to their Oath: Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.

As with other occasions at different national and local events, a group of 16 volunteers from the Italian branch participated at the events to encourage the athletes, to support them and help them confront the sports competitions with greater composure, helping to allow their incredible potential to emerge.

These were two highly emotional days, in which the volunteers were able come up against that reality which always leaves a positive and solid mark on those who participate. It is not by chance that those who give their time to these events, tend to return year after year.

The partnership with Special Olympics began in 2010, and today represents the most important initiative of our vast programme of Company Social Responsibility activities. Indeed, for our company, sport is a tool for awareness-raising, disseminating and supporting the integration and education of all in understanding and valuing diversity.