Eleven athletes from the Defense Paralympic Sports Group (GSPD) completed their fourth consecutive crossing of the Strait of Messina on Saturday. The swimmers began at Torre Faro near Capo Peloro (Messina) and covered 3,800 meters to reach the Calabrian shore at Villa San Giovanni-Cannitello.
Defined as an event of “high moral and symbolic value,” the crossing was attended by Defense Undersecretary Senator Isabella Rauti, National Armaments Director Squadron Admiral Giacinto Ottaviani, Naval Fleet Commander-in-Chief Squadron Admiral Aurelio De Carolis, and Head of the Defense Staff’s 5th Department Carabinieri Division General Stefano Spagnol.
While some athletes swam the distance, others participated using sailboats. Senator Rauti, Admiral De Carolis, Rear Admiral Gianluca De Meis, and Lieutenant Commander Maria Ceola accompanied the participants aboard the rowing vessel Yole 4. The maritime event was monitored by the Italian Navy torpedo boat “Spica,” alongside vessels from the Coast Guard and Fire Brigade.
“This is the fourth edition of the Strait of Messina swim crossing for the Defense Paralympic Group, this year featuring the new element of three sailors,” stated Defense Undersecretary Rauti, who rowed alongside the Paralympic athletes on the Yole. Three athletes completed the crossing in sailboats.
“Every year,” Rauti continued, “it is a challenge and an objective that strengthens team spirit, belonging to the corps, and helps us promote what is important to us: the culture of Defense, the value of inclusion, cohesion, and leaving no one behind – as the Defense Minister teaches us daily and as we practice with the Armed Forces.”
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