Here I am again, dear readers. As I mentioned in my last post about the race at Tre Fontane, I had another competition the very next day. And it went well! I took part in an initiative that you could say involves all of Rome. A twelve-hour relay that, for two years now, has seen me competing at the team level. An experience I've had for two years running — in fact, I told you about it last year. The first year I wore a blue cap; this time I'm wearing a green one, as you can see. This is the tenth edition of an event that AISM has championed to support research for people living with multiple sclerosis.
I think there should be more initiatives like this. Every year I see children and young people involved — people who wanted to give something, but above all who wanted to understand what disability really means. You know how I am, right? I'm always looking for ways to experience something new. And to show people that you have to look beyond disability. Actually, I want to thank my team captain, and really the whole team, because over these two years, every single time they give me something new.
I've said it before, but I'll say it again: these initiatives need to happen more often. They help people understand that sport is good for you and worth doing. But more than that — they bring others closer to people with disabilities. Over these two years, I've seen FINP working in two different pools, one in Pietralata and one in Valco San Paolo, and they've been more and more involved. That showed me they're an organization that really wants to give.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ovJExq_S8XE?feature=share
Beyond FINP, which supported this event, the city of Rome was involved, along with various other sponsors. I think most disability organizations should be running initiatives like this. It's beautiful to bring people into the world of disability through small events like this one. I've made friendships here, for example. Yes, we did compete in team races where there's a first, second, and third place, but what I've seen is more friendship than competition. For two years now I've had friends I swim against, and it's wonderful! So here's what I want to say: keep coming back to us, in greater numbers, at the 12 Hours Swimming with Love!
Look deep inside your own heart and see how much you can give. Because it doesn't matter if all you give is a pat on the shoulder or a hug — that gesture, that embrace, is worth so much.