SPORTS – Inclusive Sport Project Opposed to Radicalization Tenents is a project, of a year of duration, co-funded by the European Union.
Last February 28th the conference was held to present the project, at the Sala Sant’Antonio Abate of Palazzo Steri, which was attended by all the partners, various local stakeholders and some institutions in Palermo. We were warmly welcomed by the landlord, the Rector of the University of Palermo, Prof. Fabrizio Micari, who, with his words of welcome, showed pride and satisfaction for this project, of which the University of Palermo is partner.
Immediately after, Magnificent Rector greeted us with a greeting, as well as their presence, also the dr. Francesco Bertolino, President of the Fifth Commission (Education – Cultural Heritage and Activities – Leisure – Urban Design – Sport – Youth Policies – Toponymy) of the City of Palermo, as delegate of the Mayor Leoluca Orlando and Prof. Gaetano Armao, Vice President of the Sicilian Region.
They both highlighted the importance of sport as a means of promoting the diversity and skills of young Sicilians in carrying out such important projects despite the difficulties that our land has faced in recent years. “The I SPORT project fits well, therefore, in the context of promotion and innovation promoted by the city of Palermo, as the Capital of Culture 2018”, says Dr. Bertolino.
Subsequently, the project partner representatives took part: Prof. Elisabetta Di Giovanni from the University of Palermo, Dr. Rosario Genchi representing CUS Palermo partner, Dr. Clara Pangaro from IPM Malaspina, Dr. Ibra Kobena , President of the Ivorian Community and Dr. Ardita Pire, representing the Foreign Students Association in Sicily. Each of them expressed their enthusiasm for being a partner in this project that unites different and difficult aspects of the Palermo society through sporting practice but which, thanks to the determination of the youngs and tutors and thanks to their desire to team up, can become an increasingly united, varied and inclusive society.
With them was the president of CEIPES, the project’s lead institution, Dr. Musa Kirkar, who highlighted the importance of I SPORT: “We at CEIPES are very proud to be part of this beautiful team and we are sure that I SPORT will produce many positive effects both on these youngsters who will actively participate in the project activities, which on the whole of the community of Palermo which, as the capital of culture 2018, in this particular moment sees in itself the presence of a lot of diversity and of which we all hope can treasure. Sport, especially the team sport, has always been a very important instrument of cohesion, inclusion and integration, so I wish you a pleasant and profitable journey together with SPORTS”. “The sport that unites”, he says at the end of his speech.
I SPORT is certainly a resource for all the children it addresses. The boys held at the Malaspina IPM will have the opportunity to compare themselves with the rest of the society from which they are estranged and to relate with young people from different cultures, each with their own background of experiences and with other local youths and university students. Together they will all share an educational training path that will guide them to the knowledge of the fundamental values of sport, to those of common civil well-being and respect for the rules.
The presentation conference of the project was, therefore, a nice moment of sharing, the prelude of a year’s work that will surely be a source of personal growth and joy for all those who contribute to its success.
