The story of Francesca Baroni hit the headlines for her fifth place in the world and the impossibility, being deaf, to join the military corps. In fact, a broad discussion has opened up on what it may appear as discrimination, which is being worked on at a political level.
Just reform
The President of cip Pancalli has long been committed to finding a way to employ Paralympic athletes of national interest in the military corps. This would also guarantee them a future job. Even if Francesca, as explained by his mother, does not fall into the categoryA provision along these lines has already been approved as part of the Sports Reform bill at the end of last year. Giusy Versace, a parliamentarian and multiple-medal-winning Italian athlete, has put a lot of effort into it, but the path is not so simple. In fact, the Implementing Rules are missing and the recent Government crisis has interrupted the legislative process..
Sport is changing
"It would be an exception to the current rules, which would also need to be changed by the Constitutional Court," says Army Lieutenant Colonel Pino Minissale. "You would lose your military fitness," he continues, "going against many current laws." It must be said that it is often sport itself that changes the state of thingsFor example, once upon a time, it was impossible for men under 1,61 m tall and women under 1,55 m tall to enlist. Then some athletes appealed, and so the weight-to-height ratio was adopted. We are working on it, but these things take time.».
Possible hiring
However, a path has already been traced. For now, Francesca Baroni is not that interested, but for other boys and girls, there is the possibility of joining some military sports groups. Carabinieri Chief Warrant Officer Gianluca Macchini explains.
«Already with the old Forestry – he says – we had the possibility of registering Paralympic athletes by providing them with maximum assistance for all their sporting activitiesThey are wonderful people and working and competing with them is very satisfying, I can say this from personal experience. I know that the Paralympic Committee and the Ministry of Defense are working together to translate this into the possibility of full employmentClearly, we'll have to go through the competitions that are also available for able-bodied people. I truly hope this process concludes quickly and successfully."
Political question
A similar possibility is also present in Flames Gold. In fact, in the police Italy's most famous Paralympic athlete, Bebe Vio, is registered. (in the opening photo).
«In order to achieve full recruitment – testifies Senior Inspector Nicola Assuntore, Technical Director of the cycling section – we are thinking of creating ad hoc roles for athletes with disabilities. They will be able to focus on sports activities and, above all, also find a job within the PoliceThe process would clearly remain the same; indeed, the intention is to provide assistance specifically to those Paralympic athletes called to compete in the Olympics. I know Francesca Baroni well, I really like that girl and it would be great to welcome her into our family.It just depends on politics."
