The Italian Filippide Project Association, the Deputy Minister of Health and Social Protection Denada Seferi, and the Deputy Minister of Education and Sport Nina Guga signed on Wednesday a memorandum of understanding which aim at promoting sport as a means which can improve the life quality of young people with different needs and autism. The Filippide Project Association for some 20 years now is addressing issues related to sports, autism, and inclusion and it has been recognized by the UN and the Italian Paralympic Committee.

The memorandum of understanding signed on Wednesday aims at establishing an important partnership between Italy and Albania regarding the social sphere and inclusion of all vulnerable groups, by conveying to Albania the know-how of this association so sport can be used as a rehabilitation and therapeutic means. The protocol signed is also one of the objectives of the Albanian government as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.

Following the signing of this Memorandum of understanding and in the framework of the Italian Week (June 1-7) the “Run for Autism Marathon” will be organized in the Great Park of Tirana. Such an event is organized across entire Europe and from now on it will be also organized in Albania and will involve athletes with an autism spectrum disorder or other mental disorders. “The signing of this MoU is an important step which aims at supporting children with different needs through sport, as a means to include them in society. The Filippide Project found that sport helps these people’s inclusion in society,” said Italian Ambassador to Albania Fabrizio Bucci. President of Filippide Association Nicola Pintus called this MoU a peace act between two people who are trying to build something together. “This project is an act through which we are trying to thank Albanians for what they have done for us and bring the two countries separated by the sea even closer,” stressed Pintus.