The President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, released the following declaration:
«Empowering persons with disabilities to fully exercise their rights throughout the Country is the task we are entrusted with on this Day.
In this perspective, priority must be given to conducting scientific research in favour of disabilities and to making our public spaces easily accessible. The removal of barriers of all types is the prerequisite for the exercise of many rights and is also the condition for challenging and overcoming our limits.
Indeed, a decent society must be capable of empowering persons with disabilities to acquire the instruments necessary to lead an independent life, an existence in which needs can be met, potentials expressed and the freedom of choice encouraged.
It is an important facet of citizenship to enable persons with disabilities to lead their life as independently as possible.
On this day, allow me to address a special thought to practicing sports: an invaluable experience for many persons with disabilities in order to fully realize their personalities and a lesson for all on how committing towards effective inclusion can turn into a point of excellence. »
Rome, 3 December, 2017
