Atalanta BC celebrating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities
In the lead-in to the international observance, a handful of Academy youngsters joined their For Special peers for a night out at Pit'sa's
Jointly established in 1981 by the United Nations, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is an international observance aimed at promoting awareness-raising and understanding of disability issues whilst also mobilizing support and actions to ensure the dignity, rights and well-being of people with disability.
Sports, inclusivity and solidarity were the driving factors behind the evening get-together held at Pit'sa's between a posse of Academy players from Atalanta's Junior Boys' and Girls' sides and the For Special roster in full. The gathering was also graced by the presence of, among others, many institutional figures from the black-and-blue Youth System: from the Technical Director for the "Attività Agonistica" Alex Pinardi, accompanied by a handful of Academy executives, to trainers and the whole Atalanta psycho-pedagogical staffing.
Renowned for promoting full work inclusion for people with Down syndrome, the pizzeria was not chosen by chance either: thanks to its welcoming atmosphere and its professional and smiling staff, it embodies a tangible example of working inclusion and strengthening of individual capabilities. With Pit'sa being the epitome of respect, equality and fair opportunities -namely those very same values that the evening event cared to underscore and celebrate- Atalanta have thus conveyed their full alignment and pledge to such principles as a staunch supporter in sports being a key vessel to inclusion and solidarity.
By fostering a cheerful and cosy mood together with their For Special peers, the athletes from our Boys and Girls enjoyed a lovely evening where the competitive spirit took the backseat to banter, waves of laughter and opportunities for discussion.
An honourable mention deserves the flawless job carried out by the waiters who, always met with smiles of thanks throughout, proved once again how disabilities are by no means a plateau but rather yet another chance to prove skills and determination.
Aside from the cheerful mood and occasion, the evening gathering also gave food for thought on the importance of breaking down prejudices and setting new foundations for a more inclusive society. With its small yet significant token, Atalanta have proven once again to be so much more than a football team, but rather a holistic institution which puts people, values and the local territory at the heart of its strategy.
As for its main takeaway, the event showed how diversity, once nurtured and valued, is but an asset capable of bolstering any team, both on and off the pitch.
The night out ended with a general acknowledgement and with the customary group photo also featuring the Pit'sa staffing.
On the occasion of the Serie A Enilive game between Roma and Atalanta, Atalanta For Special player Francesco Pezzotti walked the players onto the Olimpico pitch before the official kick-off.