On Tuesday, December 3, 2024, on the occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, class 4A of the Primary School, as part of the project “Beyond Barriers” carried out in collaboration with the CDD of Villa Raverio, participated in a special meeting. The students had the honor of meeting Jacopo Geninazzi, captain of the wheelchair basketball team Briantea84 of Cantù, Italian champion. The event took place at the Renzo Pezzani Primary School in Villa Raverio, in the presence of Mayor Emanuele Pozzoli, Councilor Barbara Fusco, the fourth-grade classes, and their teachers.
The Meeting with Jacopo Geninazzi
Jacopo Geninazzi shared his personal experience, recounting how he went from the carefree nature of childhood to discovering an illness that profoundly affected him. With great sincerity, he described the difficulties he faced, the journey toward his rebirth, and the central role that basketball played in restoring his hope and motivation. His story, filled with courage and resilience, captured the attention of everyone present, particularly the children, who actively participated with many questions.
The Students’ Reflections
After the meeting, the children shared in class the emotions and lessons they received, demonstrating great awareness and sensitivity. Among their reflections:
- Gratitude: “Let’s stop complaining about trivial matters and learn to recognize and appreciate what we have been given.”
- Perseverance: “Let’s never give up and never quit.”
- Perspective: “Let’s learn to observe life from a different perspective.”
- Creativity in overcoming obstacles: “Obstacles can be opportunities to find new paths toward our goals.”
A Universal Message
This event showed the children that disability does not represent an insurmountable barrier, but an opportunity to open up to new possibilities and discover hidden abilities. Jacopo Geninazzi delivered a profound message of strength, inclusion, and confidence in the future, demonstrating that every challenge can be transformed into a springboard toward new achievements. A warm thank you goes to him for inspiring both young and old with his life example.
Thanks to projects like this, the school confirms itself not only as a place of learning, but as a space for human growth and social awareness.
