The partnership with the Special Olympics began in 2010, and today represents the most important initiative of our vast programme of Company Social Responsibility activities, which is aimed at those communities in which our establishments are located and seeks to answer their social needs. The enthusiasm and the determination of the athletes are an example of commitment, of courage and of integration, and we are proud of having been at their side for so many years.

This partnership is very important to our company and to our employees, who always participate in ever greater numbers as volunteers at the Games. 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.

The National Summer Special Olympic Games, programmed for the 4th to the 9th of June at Montecatini and Valdinievole is the largest national event ever, by numbers of athletes competing in the proposed sporting disciplines. Indeed, having arrived at the XXXIV edition, we will involve over 3,000 athletes from all over Italy, 1,300 volunteers, 650 technicians, 1,400 family members and 600 delegated helpers.

The competing athletes will challenge themselves in 19 sporting disciplines: Athletics, badminton, bocce, bowling, five-a-side football, rowing, dragon boat, horse riding, artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, indoor rowing, golf, swimming, sea swimming, basketball, unified volleyball, rugby, tennis, table tennis. 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.