Rome: The Outsport Method presented with Mayor Gualtieri and President Molea
Rome, September 25, Piazza del Campidoglio: a special “match” against prejudice, kicked off by Mayor Roberto Gualtieri and AiCS President Bruno Molea, brought together authorities, activists, and citizens as part of the European Week of Sport with the Outsport method.
Outsport in the heart of Rome
Through a practical demonstration of the Outsport method, developed as part of the Erasmus+ MESIS project, participants experienced firsthand the impact of prejudice and discrimination on group dynamics. They took part in a brief demo training session, which has already been tested by over 160 young footballers from the regional teams of the National Amateur League. The approach outlined in the Outsport Toolkit has recently received support from the Council of Europe and the World Health Organization.
The objective is clear: in sports, as in schools and workplaces, it is crucial to ensure that no identity is excluded or made to feel “out of place.” With this in mind, the event highlighted the “belonging” pillar, one of the key priorities of the 2024 European Week of Sport.
The event for the European Week of Sport
The initiative, The Outsport Method for Diversity and Inclusion, took place throughout the morning in the “Carroccio” Hall and was introduced by Councillor for Education, Training, and Work Claudia Pratelli and the Coordinator of the LGBT+ Rights Office Marilena Grassadonia.
The speakers
Among the speakers were Gabriela Matei, project manager from the Sport Unit of the Council of Europe, who introduced the follow-up and learning materials for the Sport Is Respect campaign; Antonio Parrilla from the Italian Department of Sport.
Furthermore, Andrea Saracini, team-building coach for EDGE – Leaders for Change; Manuela Papaccio, lawyer from the AiCS Equal Opportunity Committee; Luca De Simoni from the National Amateur Football League; Gabriel Corbelli head of the AiCS LGBTI Department; and Gaia Ciccarelli, Outsport coach.
The event was moderated by Rosario Coco, Outsport coordinator, and Andrea Giuliano, Outsport officer.
It was promoted by AiCS (Outsport Office, LGBTI Department, and Equality Commission) in celebration of the European Week of Sport, with the patronage of Roma Capitale and in collaboration with the LGBT+ Office. Event partners included the local sport club Lupi Roma Outsport and Gaynet, association for LGBTQIA+ communication and training.
Photo @flevphotos by @cffcroma
