The Flame of Hope, the symbol of the “Special Olympics World Winter Games”, which will take place in Turin from March 8 to 15, 2025, dedicated to athletes with or without intellectual disabilities, will arrive this evening at Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Rome Fiumicino on ITA Airways flight AZ721 from Athens.
Special Olympics is a global Movement that, through unified sports, is creating a new world based on inclusion and respect, where every individual is accepted and welcomed, regardless of ability or disability.
The Flame of Hope was welcomed by the Minister of Tourism Daniela Santanchè, Minister for Sport and Youth Andrea Abodi, Chairman of ITA Airways Sandro Pappalardo, Chairman of Aeroporti di Roma Vincenzo Nunziata, CEO of Aeroporti di Roma Marco Troncone, Chairman of ENAC Pierluigi Di Palma, and Mayor of Fiumicino Mario Baccini. On board flight AZ721 will be present the President of the Piedmont Region Alberto Cirio, the Mayor of Turin Stefano Lo Russo, and the President of the Local Organizing Committee for the Torino 2025 World Winter Games, Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo.
"We are very proud to support the Special Olympics by carrying the Flame of Hope on board our aircraft, a symbol of inclusivity and social sustainability," said Sandro Pappalardo, Chairman of ITA Airways. "Sustainability is a pillar of ITA Airways' Industrial Plan, and we promote it in all its forms — natural sustainability, combined with corporate economic responsibility, but also social sustainability — by fostering an inclusive culture with actions that support the entire community”, he added. "We are honored to transport the Flame of Hope, thanks also to the valuable collaboration of the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) and Enac”.
"It is a great pleasure to welcome the Flame of Hope, the symbol of the Torino 2025 Special Olympics, at Fiumicino Airport, which confirms its role not only as a transit hub but also as a place for meeting, dialogue, and sharing", said Vincenzo Nunziata, Chairman of Aeroporti di Roma. "This competition perfectly embodies the values of openness and inclusion that are in our DNA and reflect our daily commitment to making our airports increasingly accessible, in line with international protocols. For years, we have been investing in barrier-free airport experiences, with cutting-edge infrastructure and innovative services designed to meet the needs of all travelers".
"A French writer and explorer, Alexandra David-Néel, once said: 'Those who travel without encountering others do not travel; they merely move.' This is the metaphor of this torch—its purpose is not the destination but the journey and the encounters along the way. I look at this torch, and I hear all the languages of the world. I understand them all because this flame, speaking a universal language, represents a light of hope for a better future", said Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, President of the Local Organizing Committee for the Torino 2025 World Winter Games.
Comm. & Réd. partir-magazine.com
