The king of the deep sea lives in San Michele, Cagliari, with beaming eyes and a clear aversion to political correctness: "I have Down syndrome, not an idiot." And that alone would be enough to define the character, who in a three-hour interview unleashes a string of rock-solid certainties capable of shattering clichés and prejudices, along with a certificate that puts down in black and white the feat he's just accomplished: Alessandro Vacca, 41, with twelve siblings before him, is the first person with Down syndrome in Sardinia to earn an official diving certification. A record that has the sweet taste of redemption from a life that hasn't exactly been kind to him.

Emotion – He says everyone at home cried – from happiness, of course – even the neighbors. Because in the Cagliari neighborhood that usually gets more bad press than good, many people know Alessandro and cheer him on. Wearing sneakers, blue Bermuda shorts, and a matching T-shirt, he settles into his armchair, takes out his badge, and proudly displays it. He certainly has no self-esteem issues. So if you ask him what it feels like to be unique, he doesn't even need to think about it: "I've become famous all over the world." Then he retracts: "Maybe I will become famous after the article. Are you really going to publish it in the newspaper?" And between hugs, he tells his story, which ultimately isn't all that different from that of any other able-bodied person. Made up of challenges, failures, friendships, and love. Lots of it. "When I was little, I was teased, especially at school. Sometimes a teacher even excluded me, sending me out for a sandwich." Painful memories, which for a moment darken her face and testify to a past where diversity was still seen as something to be relegated to a corner, almost as if it were being kept hidden. "Fortunately, things have changed: there are fewer prejudices now, and I want my story to serve to demonstrate that even with Down syndrome, I can do anything."

The two worlds – And in that whole, nothing is missing. There are the tanks, the wetsuit, and a great deal of determination, which after five months of diving allowed him to earn his long-awaited certification. As if, amidst the transparent depths of his soul, he had broken down one of those limitations of those who persist in seeing only the difficulties and not the extraordinary potential of Alessandro and so many other young people with disabilities. Who, like him, step by step, have managed to integrate seamlessly into society. "There's room for everyone in the world and a comfortable place for each of us."

Perhaps he understood this thanks to the Olimpia Onlus sports club, founded by Carlo Mascia, who came to his home to pick him up ten years ago. Because, as he always says, life is outside, even for those with disabilities. Not inside institutions or within the confines of a bedroom. Since then, Alessandro hasn't stopped. He has a very busy life, at home he helps his mother Franca, who is a street vendor at the Sant'Elia market. He contributes to family expenses with his disability pension, and the rest of the money he saves for trips, in a water bottle. No piggy bank: "It's the first thing thieves would steal." He still smiles. Even as he thinks of his father, who is no longer with us: "If he were still here, he would have been so proud of the certificate."

Love and friendships – "I wish people knew that even disabled people fall in love. I mean, love isn't exclusive to able-bodied people." A concept Alessandro holds dear. He says it in his own way, and he demonstrates it beautifully with his actions. "I met Veronica four years ago, at the seaside. It was love at first sight, I love her so much." A feeling reciprocated by her, who is thirty years old and shares with Alessandro that same Down syndrome that evidently doesn't stop life. "Can you please write that I also asked her to marry me?" And since he's someone who takes things seriously, he got down on one knee, gave her the ring, and looking her straight in the eyes, asked her to be his wife. So, after descending into the seabed, he's now ready to walk down the aisle. His friends will be there to accompany him, too. Those from the sports club, and many others who love him for who he is. A 41-year-old who has shown himself and everyone else that with good will, commitment, and the care that should be guaranteed to everyone, you can achieve something greater. Always greater. Even if you have Down's syndrome.

Sara Marci

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