From Paris to Olbia, from the Paralympics in which Italy was unable to participate to the World Boccia Challenger that will bring to the Island, with some of the best specialists, also 18 Italians. It was the regional councilor for Tourism, Franco Cuccureddu, who hosted today in his office in Cagliari the presentation of the international event that will take place in Olbia from September 30 to October 6. He did so in the presence of the national president of Federbocce, Marco Giunio De Santis (a manager with a very long past in the Paralympic sector), the president of Fispes (also representing the Regional Committee of Cip), the president of Coni Sardegna Bruno Perra and the councilor for Sport of the Municipality of Olbia, Elena Casu.
In the Gallura city, about a hundred athletes and assistants on the track will arrive, coming from 18 nations (Japan and Singapore the furthest) with four veterans from Paris, including the gold medalist in the women's BC4 category, the Chinese Lin Ximei. The competition is in the Individual for the categories from BC1 to BC4 and in Couples in BC3 and BC4, all regarding physical disabilities, characteristics of Boccia (in bocce, even the "intellectuals" play).
Beyond the competitive aspects, the event is an important test for Sardinian hospitality: «It will serve to test the ability to host athletes with serious and very serious disabilities», underlined Councilor Cuccureddu. «We are working to make Sardinia more accessible and sport plays a key role». The inaugural ceremony will be on September 30th at 6 pm, the day after the competitions and on October 4th and 6th the awards at the GeoPalace.