"Be proud of what you do, but above all be proud of what you are"It is with this message that the Chief of Defense Staff, General Claudio Graziano, greeted the athletes of the Paralympic Defense Sports Group (GSPD) which will take part in the second edition of Invictus Games, the international Paralympic games dedicated to soldiers who have contracted permanent disabilities in service or due to service, and who will take place in Orlando, Florida (USA), from 8 to 12 May.
"You have become even stronger - continued the general - showing how much can still be given to Italy despite the wounds and honoring its uniforms". #IoNonMiArrendo is in fact the motto chosen by the GSPD athletes: the untamed, as a passage in Henley's poetry says "in the ferocious grip of circumstances, I did not draw back or cry out. Under the ax blows of fate, my head is bleeding, but indomitable".
Present at the ceremony, held at the Central Library of the Army, the Defense Minister, Roberta Pinotti, who said "The beauty of politics is being able to achieve things and Memorandum of Understanding, signed in the 2014 with the Italian Paralympic Committee, has now become a splendid reality. The Paralympic Sports Group is a great example for everyone, the message that comes from it is important for young people and for the Fatherland.".
"I'm proud of you"This is the message that Luca Pancalli, president of the Italian Paralympic Committee (CIP), addressed to those present. "Sport has represented for these men and women, who have paid with their skin the role of duty, the instrument through which to return to live. You are an example, a message of hope for many disabled young people. Honor the sports uniform, the Italian flag as well as the whole great family of Italian and Paralympic sport ".
The Italian Team headed to Orlando is composed of 17 athletes, from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Weapon of the Carabinieri including: Andrea Adorno, Pasquale Barriera, Buonaventura Bove, Carlo Calcagni, Pellegrina Caputo, Simone Careddu, Monica Contrafatto, Giovanni Dati , Loreto Di Loreto, Marco Iannuzzi, Domenico La Manna, Moreno Marchetti, Fabio Marsiliani, Gianfranco Paglia, Roberto Punzo, Domenico Russo and Fabio Tomasulo.
Ten disciplines in the program: three team (basket and rugby in wheelchairs and sitting volley) and seven individual, including swimming, archery and athletics. 600 athletes from 15 various countries including the United States, England, Holland, Afghanistan, Estonia, Canada and Australia. High expectations of the national team: in the 2014, at the first edition of the IG of London, with a numerically reduced and less experienced team in the Paralympic competitions, it managed to bring home 5 well, two of which were gold. Today, strengthened by the experience gained in national and international competitions, as well as training and hard and constant technical preparation, the boys aim for the best.
At the end of the ceremony, the delivery of the Italian flag by Minister Pinotti to the bishop, as well Team Captain, Lieutenant Colonel Gianfranco Paglia declaring "Proud to be the captain of this team that has already won, regardless of how it will go to Orlando".
