Italiano
Napoli 2019 Ambassador Patrizio Oliva has met the children of the Juvenile Detention Center in Nisida this morning; the meeting was part of the agreement between the Universiade and the Juvenile Justice Center of Campania. The boxing champion told the story of his life, which began in a difficult neighborhood in Naples, and talked about how sport can be a form of social redemption.
“Sport and culture – he explained – can prevent you from taking the wrong path. Turn this conviction – urged Oliva to his young audience – into strength. Transform this change into a challenge to overcome. Nothing falls from the sky, but everything has to be built, in full respect of people and the law. That is the only way to become real men”. Oliva then extended an invitation to the children: “As soon as you’ve served your sentence, come visit me at my gym: Sport will help you change your life, but only if you are psychologically prepared”. The meeting was attended also by a four-time junior middleweight champion, who hugged Oliva at the end of the initiative.
“It is important for us – said the director of the Juvenile Detention Center Gianluca Guida – to create relationships between children and representatives of social and sports institutions, in order to make them feel part of a community where everybody is equal”. With this in mind, the Napoli 2019 Organizing Committee will give convicted minors the opportunity to participate, accompanied by a tutor, in the Opening ceremony of the Universiade, taking place on July 3rd at San Paolo Stadium, and to attend some competitions and training sessions held in the venues located throughout the region from July 3rd to 14th.