The 28th edition of the national winter Special Olympic Games held at Bormio from the 5th to the 10th of February have only recently concluded. This year as well, we were busy contributing towards this extraordinary event which gathered together 100 technicians, 300 volunteers and some 170 family members in support of 485 athletes with learning difficulties to compete in the most well-known winter sports.

The Olympic flame is not the only thing that is burning, but also the passion of these children for this initiative, it being an occasion for imparting the values of brotherhood, faith, community, freedom and equality which match our company ethic. Inherent in physical activity is the possibility of improving oneself, and this puts these athletes in the games with others, but above all with themselves. Through sport, these youngsters can feel integrated and not excluded instead of seeing limits in themselves. The aim is to enhance the positives, their self-esteem and their pride.

The Special Olympics has seen some 48 delegations from 15 different regions of Italy and from Mendrisio (Switzerland) line up and challenge themselves over various disciplines: Alpine skiing, downhill skiing, snow shoe races and snowboards. Furthermore, initiatives such as "try the sport" are incentives for the children also to try activities new to them, such as floorball and ice skating.

The philosophy behind these days out can be summarised in the oath taken by the athletes: "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt". For us, contributing towards the Special Olympics is no longer only a voluntary or charitable act, but a real responsibility, a chance to feel part of such a special community, to help the athletes challenge themselves and, in this manner, improve ourselves as well. A collaboration which has now lasted for six years and which, for each edition, sees our volunteers ever more active and involved.

For this reason, Itaru Watanabe, President of the Italian branch who became involved as a volunteer on the front line, declared at the press conference at the opening of the games: Concern for society and its needs is part of our company mission and we are therefore proud to be at the side of the Special Olympics Italy, and also the National Winter Games. I consider it very important for our company and all our employees to be here today. I personally think that sport brings people together, but it is also a real motivator for life, that applies to athletes with disabilities as much as for others". The days spent as volunteers together with the Special Olympics youngsters have been, as ever, a really special and unique experience, which has left every one of us with a precious memory.