by InTrieste
Interviews: FVG councilor for safety, Pierpaolo Roberi; Dean Bassi, sports manager, Barcolana; Matteo Parenzan, Paralympic champion, table tennis
The Barcolana Parasailing – Eurosaf Inclusive European Championship opened Wednesday in Trieste, marking one of the key events leading up to the city’s historic Barcolana regatta.
The competition, which runs through October 5, brings together athletes from across Europe in the Hansa 303 class, with crews that include sailors with disabilities. It is part of the official program for the 57th edition of the Barcolana, one of the world’s largest sailing regattas.
At the opening ceremony, Pierpaolo Roberti, the regional councillor for local government, praised the cooperation between the Barcola and Grignano Sailing Society and the Triestina della Vela Sailing Society in organizing the event. Their partnership, he said, strengthens the regatta’s calendar and ensures the success of international competitions with a strong social dimension.
“The social aspect of this championship enriches the Barcolana,” Mr. Roberti said. “Through sport, barriers are broken down, integration is encouraged and full inclusion of people with disabilities is promoted. It is a powerful sign of how sailing can combine competition with universal values.”
He added that the event reinforces Trieste’s position as a hub for inclusive sailing and international sporting cooperation.
