Enza Petrilli
A sports story, of social commitment, of life, in the story of the protagonist, the young Paralympic champion Enza Petrilli. Fighter. The dramatic road accident at 26 years old. The disability. The rebirth with the winning choice of practicing archery at a competitive level. Enza, 33 years old in August, in the freshly printed book “I am the arrow” (Readaction Editrice) writes and explains and teaches that in life one can find the way to get up, restart and become an “arrow” that hits targets, even the hardest. The optimism of the will that prevails against any defeatist form of resignation. “You can, you just need to want it. Do not give up on the beauty that, despite everything, Life can give us”, is the invitation that Enza proudly delivers to us.
Of Dominic Logozzo*
“I am the arrow” will be presented by the athlete in his Taurianova (Reggio Calabria), Sunday February 26th in the Church of the Rosaryat 18. Part of the proceeds will be devolved to charity.
Il Volunteeringdirect participation, full attention to needs of the latter. In fact, for some time she has been a very active national vice president of the association Aida Onlus which operates effectively in Italy.
On Facebook he explains: “This it’s my second lifemy second chance. The second chance. Now it is forbidden to stay the same. I went beyond the drama and to do so I had to face fears to overcome them. I challenged them, I challenge them every day and they disappear”.
I met Enza for the first time last year at the International Airport of Lamezia Terme. Warmly recognized and celebrated by many passengers.
Was really a great pleasure have a chat with her. Dolcealways with the smile of optimism printed on the face.
When I learned from the Facebook page of the “Consultation of the associations and civil society of Taurianova” who had written the book “I am the arrow” I contacted her first to compliment me and then I asked her availability for an interview. She replied with recognized kindness: “Available, of course!”. I immediately tell her: “And yes you are ‘an arrow’, dear Enza!”
So far you have achieved many prestigious successes at regional, national and international level. Starting with silver at the Tokyo Paralympics.
“I confess that silver really took me by surprise – she admits – I left with the desire to have fun, without expectations and above all with a mental lightness that I believe all sportsmen should have on those occasions”. And she explains: “Being one of my In the first international matches, I didn’t know my opponents and I deliberately didn’t find out about them, just to be able to experience the competition with less tension”.
Then the “golden hat-trick” last year in Dubai.
“And yes, Dubai was also a great experience. Full of emotion and amazement. I never thought I’d be able to bring home three gold medals, conquered in a total time of about 45 minutes. It was really beautiful, with a crazy adrenaline rush”.
The heart generously always beyond the obstacle and a great will to fight and win. Next goal?
“The same as what many athletes are trying to achieve this year: winning the pass for Paris 2024”.
And then best wishes “Enza of miracles”. You will make it this time too. I’m sure. Huge willpower and so much courage manifested after the terrible car accident of 7 years ago that he damaged her spine.
The severe disability physics that forces her into a wheelchair. The positive reaction. He chooses sports and archery. In 2020 he joined the national team.
The next year participate in paralympics in Tokyo, getting the surprise silver medal. A February of the 2022 participate for the first time in IPC World Championships in Dubai and wins 3 medals d’oro. A month ago she was awarded the Italian championship. One hit after another.
“What has been your trump card so far?”, I ask Enza.
“Without a doubt my family with my dear Michelangelo who has never left me alone. Above all, they never made me feel “different” from them, because on July 27, 2016 we were all reborn and not just me”.
Enza, the new ones challenges, rebirth.
“That day – proudly points out – there was a new beginning. I’ve always told myself that if I’ve been given a second chance, there was a reason and therefore I must be able to live life to the fullest, without “limits”. Contrary to what people might think, the wheelchair has become “freedom” for me. Freedom to be able to move, travel, compete at the same level as those standing, bring my experience to conferences, schools, in short, it gives me the opportunity to add a small contribution to society”.
With this book, what message do you intend to deliver to the world of disabilities, to schools, to the younger generations and to those who have an institutional duty to provide the territory with adequate rehabilitation centres?
“I was lucky enough to find a structure that meets all my needs, but it is clear that there is very, very little. It is unacceptable that in 2023 we still have to go to other areas of Italy to get treatment. The facilities are missing. When you move outside you discover that the doctor and the physiotherapist are almost all from Southern Italy. And they too, due to lack of facilities, were forced to leave.”
You travel a lot, so you have a complete overview of the situation regarding architectural barriers. How do you judge the Calabrian situation and that of the rest of Italy?
“The problems are not only in Calabria, they are everywhere. Indeed I can say, from experience, that in many places in the north (those places that we believe are all accessible) I have found serious difficulties precisely because of the architectural barriers”.
I often repeat, dear Enza, that you are the significant example of the “Best Calabria that fights and does NOT give up”. Taurianova, your country, the whole of Calabria, love and admire you for this.
“Yes, that’s right. Calabria, Taurianova have shown and show great affection towards me. I’m even happier that everyone seems a little more “open-minded” now. And in some cases “diversity” is no longer considered as such”.
And all this is also the result of the awareness work of the associations present in the area.
What are you planning this year?
“With the Aida Onlus association, of which I am national vice president, we already have a busy work programme. We always start from schools, because that’s where you have to work. Schools are the container of our future and only there can we change. We have many activities planned with kids LIKE ME, with associations and we’ll start shortly, but I can’t reveal anything at the moment. And we await Enza’s next surprises with esteem and admiration, a dear friend who truly deserves all the good in the world!”
*former Editor-in-Chief of TGR Rai
