Commitment and Passion at Family Campus in ITALY

Approximately 100 athletes, family members, students from the Lucrezio Caro Institute, in Rome, and volunteers, gathered in Sibari, Italy for the seventh edition of Special Olympics Italy Family Campus (30 May-6 June). Family campuses are an important moment for friendly debates and exchange.

Pino Montemurri & Patrizia Polsinelli, organizers of the Family Campus, claim that this year’s edition summarizes previous experiences.  “Many ideas were exchanged on how family members can become involved.  There was enthusiasm, passion and a superb balance between work and leisure activities.  The outcomes will enable us to develop documents for the family program,” they said.  

Besides personal contributions from family members, participants had the opportunity to work in groups and plenary meetings. Unified Sports® and leisure activities were also on the agenda.  To complete their busy schedule, athletes were invited to carry the Special Olympics flag at a prize-giving at a football tournament in Castrovillari.  The event was covered in newspapers, on local television, raising curiosity, admiration and enthusiasm for Special Olympics athletes amongst the general public. Participants also took part in the National Sport Day organized by CONI (Italian National Olympic Committee).

As part of leisure activities, participants were invited to leave each other messages.  Envelopes quickly filled with messages that captured the outcomes of the Family Campus: joy, friendship, a sense of belonging, and the pleasure to have spent a week working, practising sports and relaxing together. The result was a united and integrated group that left Sibari with the awareness of their role, motivation, commitment and the joy to have met new friends.  Thanks to the generosity of the Sauve family, the Campus was held at the Minerva Club Resort and Golf.  For an insight into Family Campus activities, please visit the dedicated photo gallery.

As a result of the 2009 Family Campus, several local campuses are being organized throughout Italy in the very short term.  In 2010, the eight edition of the national campus will be themed “Intellectual disability as an opportunity”.  

Photo: participants of the 2009 Special Olympics Italy Family Campus.  (Photo courtesy of Special Olympics Italy)