Sport as a driver of inclusion: the Università Mediterranea launches the “University Sport Young Community” project

The Università Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria is strengthening its social commitment with the launch of “University Sport Young Community”, an ambitious initiative that focuses on sport as a means of promoting wellbeing, integration and personal growth. Developed with the support of the Calabria Region, CONI and the Italian Paralympic Committee (CIP), the project aims to enhance the University’s sports provision, making it accessible to the entire academic community without distinction.

An inclusive and barrier-free vision: this has been the objective of the initiative, coordinated by Prof. Francesco Barreca, Delegate for Sport and Wellbeing, to transform the University into an environment that is increasingly attentive to diversity. 
The Rector of the Università Mediterranea, Giuseppe Zimbalatti, emphasised the practical nature of the plan: “We want to enhance and expand our facilities, including our sports facilities, to make them suitable for everyone’s needs. Today we have around 100 students with disabilities: the University is equipping itself to guarantee them, and all students, a high-quality and inclusive range of sports activities.”

The value of the project was illustrated through inspiring testimonials from Paralympic champions: Enza Petrilli (archery), Noemi Canino (swimming) and Domenica Calandruccio (shot put). The champions shared their stories of resilience with the students, demonstrating how sport is a universal language capable of turning difficulties into opportunities for redemption.

Institutional collaboration for the local area: the meeting was attended by key figures from the University and the sporting world, including General Director dr. Pietro Foti, Professor Angela Busacca (Sports Science), student representative Emanuele Logazzo, alongside Antonello Scagliola (President of CIP Calabria) and Tino Scopelliti (President of CONI Calabria).

This institutional network confirms the desire to create a lasting impact on the local area. “Our commitment is to ensure that no one is left behind,” reiterated Prof. Barreca. “Sport breaks down cultural and physical barriers, creating new opportunities for collective growth.”