Obiettivo3 ssdrl
Obiettivo3 is a project launched in 2017 by Alex Zanardi with the goal of recruiting, training, and supporting people with disabilities in sports.
In its first eight years of activity, thanks to a widespread and dedicated network across Italy, the initiative has welcomed and supported over 150 athletes with disabilities. Each athlete, upon joining the community, found important points of reference in their coaches and teammates, helping them nurture their passion for sport. Many received free loaned sports equipment in their chosen discipline and were accompanied throughout their athletic development. Most Obiettivo3 athletes have taken part in dozens of national and international competitions, achieving remarkable results — including a bronze medal at the Tokyo Paralympics by paracyclist Katia Aere, and four medals at the Paris 2024 Games in swimming, archery, and para-cycling.
In parallel with competitive development, Obiettivo3 has also worked at a local level to promote the importance of sport for people with disabilities.
OBIETTIVO3 ACADEMY
1)TRAINING AND SUPPORT FOR YOUNG ATHLETES WITH DISABILITIES
The project aims to recruit, guide, and support potential young para-athletes aged 15 to 20, in the disciplines of para-cycling, para-triathlon, archery, swimming, and skiing.
The goal is to create a true Paralympic training school, led by professional coaches and educators.
Through monthly full-day sessions, participants are introduced to the Paralympic world, learn the basics of their discipline, train together, receive athletic education, and experience the power of teamwork.
2)AWARENESS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The project also focuses on raising awareness andencouraging active participation from local communities and students from middle schools, high schools, and universities. It aims to foster integration and mutual exchange between youth with and without disabilities, through active involvement and/or school-to-work
transition programs.
TARGET AUDIENCE
There is a well-known difficulty in raising awareness among adolescents and young
people about sports and disability, especially when it comes to creating listening and support centers for Paralympic disciplines. This is particularly true when working with teenagers.
Yet sport remains a powerful tool for inclusion and personal growth, especially for young people facing physical challenges. This project specifically targets young people who have experienced amputations, spinal cord injuries, or who have visual or neurological impairments.
With the support and partnership of regional authorities, local administrations, and regional branches of the Italian Paralympic Committee (CIP), we aim to involve as many individuals, associations, and sports federations as possible to build a dynamic, nationwide support network.
FACILITIES, EQUIPMENT AND RESOURCES NEEDED
- Rental of multiple sports facilities suited to each discipline for the initial educational activities
- Renewal or purchase of training equipment for para-cycling, para-triathlon, swimming, and archery (including targets, bows, and arrows) customized to each athlete’s needs
- Acquisition of spare parts and training aids for both indoor and outdoor activities (bikes, handbikes, racing wheelchairs, etc.)
- Provision of appropriate sports clothing for athletes (uniforms, helmets, etc.)
