Vespucci – Minister Locatelli: Great success for the Trieste stop, 1,000 persons with disabilities on board

ROME, 11 OCT – “The Trieste stop, which marked the conclusion of the Vespucci World Tour – North America Campaign 2026, was a great success, successfully combining the promotion of local excellence with inclusion and participation. Approximately 1,000 persons with disabilities came on board and had the opportunity to enjoy a meaningful experience focused on hospitality and accessibility. Twenty-four associations showcased their products, sharing stories and experiences of inclusion through work, alongside two food trucks. I would like to thank all the associations and everyone who contributed to the success of this initiative, which shows how important it is to create opportunities for people to come together and to support organisations that work every day to build a more inclusive and caring society.” This was stated by the Minister for Disabilities, Alessandra Locatelli.

“Following last year’s success, when we engaged more than 120 associations across 15 stops and welcomed over 6,000 persons with disabilities on board, we are continuing on this path, which has enabled us to convey a strong message of hospitality and inclusion,” Minister Locatelli emphasised. “I would like to thank the Ministry of Defence, Difesa Servizi S.p.A. and the Italian Navy, with whom we are discussing a project to develop a virtual tour to allow persons who are unable to come on board to explore a historic vessel such as the Amerigo Vespucci.”

“The Ministry’s commitment to promoting participation and recognising the talents of persons with disabilities is also reflected in projects such as Velando, which across its two editions has involved a total of 2,000 participants who have had the opportunity to take part in hands-on experiences, including activities lasting several days,” Minister Locatelli added. “This initiative highlights the importance of sport and shared experiences as tools for inclusion, personal growth and participation.”

Among the events held in Trieste, alongside visits on board and the exhibition stands at the Villaggio IN Italia, three panel discussions were held. On 9 October, the panel entitled “Talents and Skills in Sport and Projects Promoted by the Ministry for Disabilities” focused on the Velando project, while on 10 October the focus was on the Tip Top Mountain project. On 11 October, a conference entitled “Sport and Disability” was held.

Particular attention was also devoted to art, music and creativity, with the participation of Fondazione Bambini e Autismo per il Futuro ETS, ANFFAS and Progetto Riabilitazione ODV ETS, and Progetto Noemi in the dedicated exhibition area, as well as a concert by the inclusive band Calicanto.