Italian high hopes at Somma Lombardo

VARESE – “It will be an extraordinary event,“ said Nelly Mancinelli, honorary president of CPEDI 3 *, “XI Meeting City of Somma Lombardo,“ the only international paralympic dressage organized in the beautiful countryside and hosted at the facilities of the Riding Club Casorate Sempione, under the direction of the Equestrian Group Heath Somma Lombardo (Varese). The date is fixed on 15/18 June. The program also includes the Italian Paralympic Championships and a stage of the Italian Cup.
“I have always followed with great passion and affection the Somma Lombardo CPEDI said the guest of honor. “So when they offered me to be the honorary chairman of the event, I was honored. I thank the organizers. I am aware of their continuous efforts to ensure the success of the competition and to facilitate the Paralympic athletes to exempt them from the costs arising from the inscriptions and stabling. At Somma Lombardo CPEDI you live in a family atmosphere, complete with a dinner invitation. The competitors always feel welcome. In this context it has become an important vehicle to spread a message of life: learn to focus on your ability and never give up in front of your limits. The Paralympic athletes teach us this every day.“
The Paralympic sports, born from the inspiration of Dr. Ludwig Guttmann who was inspired by activities used for the recovery of disabled soldiers returning from World War II, started with archery, the first Paralympic discipline included in the 1984 London Games.
Since the first edition of the Paralympic Games in Rome in 1960, last held in Rio in 2016, the numbers have dramatically increased: from 400 in 4000 and 300 athletes in 15 editions. In Rio de Janeiro, athletes from 175 nations were present. Up for grabs, were 528 titles.
Building on its history and its exponential growth, the dressage Paralympic can only look to the future. In this context, the Somma Lombardo event represents an important test for the athletes that will compete in the European Championships in Gothenburg (Sweden) August 21 to 27.
Italy, despite having won a gold medal at the 2014 World Championship – starring Sara Morganti riding Royal Delight – has not yet managed to get on the top step of the Continental podium. They have won bronze medals in the last eight years: two in 2013 by Sara Morganti; and two in 2009 by Morganti and Andrea Vigon. However, Italy’s paralympic dressage, led by CT Laura Conz, has been very competitive.
According to the FEI ranking, Sara Morganti is second in the overall individual ranking, Silvia Veratti is fourth in the Grade 3 ranking, Alessio Corradini is ninth in grade 5, while Italy are in second place, with 1,298 points, behind the British team (1,341). Twenty nations are present in the rankings.
The CPEDI 3 *, “XI Meeting City of Somma Lombardo“, takes place against a progressive evolution in the context of the Paralympic discipline and great Azzurri ambition.
To confirm this, the event director Danilo Maestrello said: “Italy has won the last four editions of the CPEDI, proving to be combative and solid. We hope to be able to celebrate this year with victory to represent a springboard to the European Championships.”
(Photo © GEB)