Decathlon signs a memorandum of understanding with CIP to promote Paralympic culture

Decathlon Italia has signed, at the headquarters of the Italian Paralympic Committee (CIP) in Rome, an important three-year memorandum of understanding to promote psychophysical wellbeing and a culture of movement among younger generations with disabilities, encourage the discovery of and introduction to Paralympic disciplines, and develop a productive model of public–private collaboration.

The initiatives

The partnership brings together and strengthens initiatives that have already been successfully launched, such as the provision of sports wheelchairs for federation centres and cooperation in the social and healthcare sectors, including the project supported by Decathlon Foundation in Palidoro at theBambino Gesù Paediatric Hospital.

Among the key elements of the agreement are the development of promotional and demonstration events: the parties will in fact organise initiatives both inside Decathlon stores and in the areas outside them. On these occasions, with the support and presence of the Paralympic technicians appointed by the Cip, dedicated aids and equipment will be used to enable girls and boys to discover and try out the various sports disciplines themselves.

The comments

“The signing of this memorandum of understanding with Decathlon represents a significant step towards making sports participation increasingly accessible and widespread throughout the country,” said the Cip president, Marco Giunio De Sanctis —. Our primary objective is to guarantee everyone the right to participate in Paralympic sport, fostering a genuine culture of inclusion starting with younger generations. The experience and support of a partner such as Decathlon, combined with the technical expertise of the Cip and our Federations, will enable us to bring Paralympic sport into direct contact with people, in shops and squares, offering tangible opportunities to get started and discover sport to anyone who wishes to get involved”.
“I believe that enjoying the benefits of sport should be a right for everyone. The greatest lever is linked to the need for a cultural change in our country. A culture of physical movement and psychophysical wellbeing cuts across all abilities and must also be developed among people with physical disabilities. At Decathlon, we feel a strong responsibility to contribute with adaptive products and through our presence throughout the country,” stressed Fulvio Matteoni, Head of Institutional Relations at Decathlon Italy.

The first building block of a journey

The collaboration, which will initially last three years, will gradually develop through specific agreements and implementing conventions throughout the country. The signing marks the first, fundamental building block of a strategic path intended to consolidate Decathlon Italy’s position among the Cip’s institutional partners. This synergy will be progressively expanded through subsequent implementing agreements, with the aim of achieving the brand’s full and ongoing involvement in all the main institutional activities and initiatives promoted by the Committee.

This article was translated from the original Italian version with the assistance of artificial intelligence. In case of discrepancies, please refer to the original Italian version.