Parma's most fragile neighbourhoods face social and economic difficulties that often limit access to sport and to community life more broadly. Alongside children and young people in difficulty, people with intellectual disabilities also need real, concrete opportunities for inclusion, not just a place on the sidelines.
What these communities need is a pathway that counters exclusion and isolation with free opportunities to grow and take part, and one that gives people with intellectual disabilities an active role, not just a passive one, within the sports community: a way of building autonomy, responsibility and a wider awareness of the value of diversity.
The project
The project brings children, young people, mothers in vulnerable situations and young people with intellectual disabilities together within Energy Volley's youth teams, giving each of them free access to sport, teamwork and community life. Sport becomes the shared ground on which collaboration, respect and mutual responsibility are built and practised.
A key part of the project is the 'Amici del Volley' group: young people with intellectual disabilities who take on genuine responsibility as managers of the youth teams, rather than simply taking part as players. This concrete role helps build their autonomy and active citizenship, while also breaking down stereotypes and raising awareness among athletes and families about the value of inclusion.
Who the project is for
The project's direct beneficiaries are around 300 children and young people, 15 young adults over 18, 10 women and new mothers in situations of vulnerability, and 20 young people with intellectual disabilities from the 'Amici del Volley' group, who take on team management roles within the youth teams.
Its impact reaches further, to families, athletes, schools and the wider local community, who benefit from greater inclusion and social cohesion.
Project name: Uno per tutti, tutti per Volley
Proposing organisation: A.S.D. ENERGY VOLLEY
Area of intervention: Inclusion & Social Development
Country: Italy