First “Coppa Forte a Mare” starts, the first paralympic regatta in Puglia

BRINDISI – The first “Coppa Forte a Mare” regatta, the first paralympic regatta in Puglia, is underway. The first Hansa class paralympic regatta in Puglia, which will take place from 26 to 28 April, was presented this morning at the Lega Navale in Brindisi. The event was organized by the Lega Navale Italia section. of Brindisi and the GV3 association (A Gonfie Vele Verso la Vita), which has been involved in solidarity sailing for over 10 years. Numerous athletes from different parts of Italy will participate in the race, representing their sailing clubs. A moment of sport but also and above all of fun and integration. The values ​​of sailing that break down any difference or obstacle to equality. The regattas, which will take place in the body of water in front of the Marina di Brindisi tourist port, will be held on 27 April at 11 am and on 28 April at 10 am. The winners will be awarded prizes to follow. “For months we have been working on this project which has led to the formation of a Paralympic sailing team from the city of Brindisi – explains Marco Miglietta, president of the Gv3 association – the athletes participated in training and were also protagonists of a regatta in Palermo . This is just the beginning of a more ambitious project. The aim is always that of integration and involvement through sailing and the sea. Events and activities that provide tools to achieve true equal opportunities and the elimination of differences. Brindisi can be at the forefront on this front.” “The great commitment made by the Naval League, faithful to the statute which commits us to the protection of the marine environment and the promotion of water sports, has led to the demolition of architectural barriers in our section and the provision of infrastructures to allow the practice of the sport of sailing even for the disabled” – states Salvatore Zarcone president of the Brindisi Naval League. – And so, the L NI Brindisi turns out to be the best nautical base in Italy (according to the “Helmsmen stragglers”, crew in wheelchairs , which circumnavigated Italy to verify accessibility for the disabled). «We have also trained Paralympic instructors and everything – underlines Zarcone – has allowed us to enroll a considerable number of athletes who, on special boats, train at sea and prepare for category regattas. We intend to invest further in this direction also because the satisfaction that we all feel in giving a smile to those who are less fortunate is great.”

The event was sponsored by the Puglia Regional Council. On Saturday 27 April at 10.30 am before the start of the race, the president of the Regional Council, Loredana Capone, the Guarantor of the rights of people with disabilities, Antonio Giampietro, the mayor of Brindisi, Giuseppe Marchionna and the president of the Province of Brindisi will speak , Toni Matarrelli.