The Think Tank On Radar, promoted and organized by Fondazione Menarini, keeps establishing itself as a crucial forum for discussing society’s most pressing issues. During its latest meeting on December 3, 2024, in Rome, titled In Super Abili (Super-Abled/Unmatched), the discussion centered on two socially significant themes: inclusion and sport.
The In Super Abili event, coinciding with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, provided a valuable opportunity to explore how sporting activities can increasingly function as a model for emancipation. This event brought together Paralympic athletes, individuals with physical disabilities, experts, institutional representatives, and academic leaders with the specific goal of fostering dialogue and inspiring initiatives to break down barriers and promote a more equitable society.
Among the various topics discussed was the role of sports in creating new opportunities for individuals living with disabilities, not only from a physical standpoint but also psychologically and socially. Sport truly functions as a universal language that connects people beyond their differences, enabling everyone to fully express their potential and unique abilities.
One of the most impactful moments of the meeting focused on firsthand accounts from athletes – women and men who have won major international championships – sharing their personal stories, challenges, achievements, and dreams. These narratives highlighted how courage and determination can transform obstacles into opportunities, inspiring everyone present. Particularly emphasized was the importance of bringing these testimonies directly into schools. What has previously been sporadic events left to individual teachers’ discretion needs to become an established practice in partnership with the Paralympic Committee.
The distinguished guest list also included: Fabio Vida, athlete on the Paralympic National Fipsas team and Fispc delegate for Friuli; Michela Biolcati Aruni, national Paralympic athlete with Fipsas, President of Asd Cis and Aps Anpa, and national trainer and consultant on disabilities; Giacomo Forcione, playmaker for Volpi Rosse Menarini and law graduate; Giacomo Perini, Paralympic rowing athlete and Representative of Cip Lazio athletes; Eleonora De Paolis, Paralympic canoe
On this occasion, On Radar set an ambitious goal once again: to gather new proposals for social inclusion pathways to present to relevant institutions based on insights developed during the meeting.
Attesting to On Radar’s effectiveness and valuable work, findings from previously addressed topics have been presented at hearings before both the Parliamentary Commission for Childhood and Adolescence and the Defense Commission of the Chamber of Deputies. This confirms the proactive nature of Think Tank On Radar, which has tackled issues such as child abuse, causes of the demographic crisis, “Made in Italy” as a guarantee of national security, and the phenomenon of youth gangs.