Integrated Basketball with our Athletes in Collaboration with Virtus Roma 1960. A project expanding the educational offerings of the Integrated Football Academy to include basketball. This initiative is conducted together with Virtus Roma at the Pio XI Sports Center in Rome.
Child neuropsychiatrist Roberto Rossi noted, “We’ve observed sometimes unimaginable progress in linguistic and communicative abilities, as well as in motor and practical skills. This is essential—they need a space where they can have fun. Here, it’s completely different; they experience satisfaction, especially when they are with other young people participating in integrated activities with them.”
Patrizia Minocchi, president of the Academy, explained that the aim of the project is to enable these young people to play a team sport, which is still perceived as a challenge due to the difficulties they often face. Saverio Zoffoli, Virtus manager, added that Virtus is not only proud to be part of this program but that integration with their young athletes is a core aspect of the project. He emphasized that it benefits all participants, giving Virtus athletes the opportunity to understand the reality of disability and to learn how these young people confront their challenges.
Finally, Maresa Bavota, head of family and school relations, highlighted another crucial aspect: families often lack sports programs that can assist them. She explained that the Academy was born out of this need, “the most tangible act that sport can offer free of charge to these young people.”
The father of one of the participants emphasized the emotional dimension, noting that this fieldwork builds the foundation for future learning: “The kids have been nurtured, introduced with care and competence to activities they previously couldn’t do.”
These testimonies were featured thanks to the RAI program “O anche no,” an infotainment talk show dedicated to inclusion and solidarity. The program shares stories of its protagonists, highlighting their expectations, challenges, and accomplishments. To watch, visit the broadcast at the 20th minute on the website: RAI Play – O anche no.
