He rode the most beautiful wave yesterday. It is that of solidarity, inclusion, friendship in a day that surfer Francisco Porcella will not forget so easily.
Happy as a child, he took the kids from Polisportiva Olimpia Onlus di Carlo Mascia and other local cooperatives that deal with disabled, autistic and Down syndrome kids to surf, making them experience unique emotions.
The initiatives – The occasion was the initiative organized at the Passaggio a Nord Ovest establishment, in the Quartese section of Poetto, which every summer welcomes about a hundred disabled people in a space equipped with walkways, job chairs and everything else, to be together without barriers.
After the visit in recent days of the Cagliari player Gabriele Zappa, who brought t-shirts for everyone, here is Porcella with his girlfriend Beatrice Giglio and his friend Marco Pulisci, who did not hold back giving smiles, fun and emotions.
"A huge emotion thanks to Carlo Mascia and all the collaborators of Olimpia", commented Porcella. "It's nice to see the happiness of the boys and hear them say "I love you". It makes me proud to instill this passion for the sea". Back from Brazil "where I reached the semifinal in a Bug wave surfing competition, with big waves", Porcella returned to Quartu, "which is my home since I have a house in Capitana" and in the meantime he is preparing, "to go to Peru for other competitions before the winter in Hawaii with many competitions that await me".
The party – And here, in the Poetto sea, there is a big party among the surfboards, the music, the dancing, the dives and the splashes. Alessandro, 40 years old, can't wait. "I knew Porcella, when she gets on the waves she can thrill. We also fly when we water ski. This is a beautiful day. I feel great at Olimpia, I even found a girlfriend". Next to him is Roberto, who is 45: "Who would have expected to be able to go on the board with a champion like Porcella. We thank everyone for the opportunity that was given to us". Sitting in the shade of the kiosk, Carlo Mascia looks at his boys and is moved: "In these 40 years I have given so much for them and now that five years ago I was struck by a terrible disease, they are the ones who take care of me. Today's is just one of the many initiatives that I have always tried to create to give an opportunity for recreation to the poorest disabled people. They must not remain closed inside centers and structures but find in sport an opportunity for social inclusion."
The establishment – And the Passaggio a Nord Ovest establishment gives the opportunity to many associations to experience the sea. «We welcome on average about a hundred disabled people who do sports activities», explains the manager Gigi Carta. «The idea of the day with Porcella is from Carlo Mascia and Olimpia Onlus and we welcomed it with joy. We have walkways, job chairs, everything you need».
Among the happiest is Francesco, 20, who arrived with the Controvento day center: "I'm a swimmer," he says confidently. Silvia, 33, is more timid: "Here you are with many other friends." All together, in a place where problems and difficulties remain far away for a few hours.
(Online Union)
