Collecchio, 4 December 2024 - For the Parma vs. Lazio match, on Matchday 14 of the Serie A Enilive campaign, Parma Calcio and the Società Sportiva Lazio gave life to a special day dedicated to inclusion and the celebration of the abilities of every athlete. This initiative, created in collaboration with the Dipartimento Calcio Paralimpico Sperimentale della FIGC (DCPS) and Lega Serie A, was a tribute to Paralympic football and its key players, ahead of the International Day of people with disabilities on 3 December 2024.

The activities organised by the Lega Serie A and the DCPS of the FIGC have been integrated in different phases of the event, be it before the match, during the match and the interval of the clash between Parma and Lazio. The emotion was palpable at the end of the warm-up, when the captains of the Parma Calcio Paralympic side, Jorge Andres Alvarez Rodriguez, and of SS Lazio, Alessio Valentini, exchanged their shirts. A simple gesture, but with a deeper meaning: a recognition of a legacy that transcends the pitch, united by common passion for football and the desire to overcome every barrier. The ceremonial entry onto the pitch was equally emotional.

Instead of the usual child mascots, three athletes of the Paralympic sides stood beside the referee and captains, wearing the shirts of the Serie A's campaign 'Keep Racism Out.'

Their smile, a sign of pride and joy, represented a day that showed how much football really is for everyone.

Before kick-off, the Paralympic athletes brought special pennants onto the field, personalised for the occasion by Lega Serie A and FIGC. Halftime was reserved for another special moment: a parade by the Paralympic football teams of Parma Calcio and SS Lazio, met by a warm applause from all fans present at the stadium. The athletes enjoyed a unique experience, feeling at the heart of a world that, for one day, united around them to celebrate their strength, talent, and passion.

This initiative represents a significant step towards a more inclusive world of football, capable of inspiring and demonstrating that sport knows no limits, but just the universal language of passion and sharing.

'As part of our Club's social responsibility initiatives, football for everyone, highlighted by the commitment of our Paralympic football team, is a key focus. Sharing this day, created by Lega Serie A and FIGC, as well as enriching this day alongside our friends from SS Lazio, was natural and spontaneous. It was a true pleasure that heightened our awareness, extending it to all twenty thousand spectators who were present at the Tardini on Sunday. The participation and engagement were comprehensive,' stated Giuseppe Squarcia, Head of Football Social Responsibility at Parma Calcio.

Emanuela Andronaco, head of Parma Special, highlighted: 'It was an extraordinary and emotional event for our guys, and we had the chance to build new friendships. Furthermore, we ate lunch together in our hospitality area, we went onto the pitch with the first teams, exchanged jerseys and pennants, we watched the game together in the stands and ended with a lap of honour around the pitch, taking group photos under the respective stands, accompanied by chants from the fans. These moments are really important for the entire group, they have the goal of raising public awareness on the theme of inclusion in the world of sport, overcoming every barrier regardless of the type of disability. Our players felt liked an active part of the same community'.

This day was more than just a football match, but a tangible demonstration of how sport can unite, uplift and overcome prejudices, creating unforgettable moments for those, both on the pitch and in the stands, who believe in the power of inclusion. A special thanks go to the SS Lazio team, who enthusiastically shared and participated in the initiative, contributing to making this experience even more meaningful.