Papal audience crowns series events designed to boost Italian Paralympic sport

By Nick Butler

A series of events grouped together under the slogan "Believe to be Alive" have been staged by the Italian Paralympic Committee to promote Para-sport, of which an audience with Pope Francis was the highlight.

The Pope met with a group of athletes who was part of 3,500 people attending a Papal audience in the Vatican, with the Argentinian head of the Catholic Church praising the Paralympians for bringing a "message of hope and encouragement" for those with disabilities.

"Through competition, disability turns into a message of encouragement to those who live in similar situations," he said.

"The sport is an invitation to foster a culture of inclusion and to overcome the barriers that are outside of us, and especially within us.

"The sport helps us to live the differences, to make them a valuable opportunity for mutual enrichment and discovery, to discover the potential that we did not imagine.

"In your effort, for a world without barriers for a world without exception, you are not alone."

A weekend of events celebrating the Paralympic Movement in Italy had begun with the first edition of the Italian Paralympic Awards with athletes, coaches and journalists being recognised.

Swimmer Cecilia Camellini and cyclist Alex Zanardi, who each won two gold medals at London 2012, were among the winners.

Formula One driver turned hand-cyclist Alex Zanardi, the best known Italian Paralympian, was among those involved in the weekend ©Bongarts/Getty Images

Following the Papal visit, events concluded with a day of Para-sport demonstrations in front of the St Peter's Basilica, where people had the chance to try out various sports themselves as well as to meet the athletes.

"These kids with physical or intellectual impairments, along with their families, are the most authentic witnesses of that love for life that Paralympic sport wants to be the messenger and communicator," said Italian Paralympic Committee President Luca Pancalli.

"We hope to grow every day through sport.

"A winner is only one who never stops dreaming: we continue to do so through sport."

It is hoped the weekend will also enable Italy to build on the 28 medals, including nine gold, they won at London 2012.