The Italian Paralympic Sports Federation for the Visually Impaired and Blind (Fispic) has sent a delegation representing its blind football and judo programs to participate in the Etica Festival in Perugia. The multi-day initiative, which runs through Friday in the capital of Italy’s Umbria region, brings together athletes, scientists, and cultural figures to examine accessibility, inclusion, and sport.
Perugia Event Unites Sport, Science, and Inclusion
The Etica Festival is a collaborative project organized by the University for Foreigners of Perugia and the non-profit association Ipo (Increasing People Opportunities). The event has secured sponsorship and backing from several regional and municipal entities, including the Region of Umbria, the Municipality of Perugia, the Perugia Foundation, Fispic, the Asad domiciliary care services association, and Polis.
Organizers structured the festival’s name as an acronym representing five core values: education (educazione), territory (territorio), inclusion (inclusione), community (comunità), and ability (abilità). The project aims to foster a more sustainable and accessible society by placing individuals and their capabilities at the center.
Palazzo Gallenga Hosts Academic Sessions
The daily schedule divides activities between morning academic forums and afternoon practical demonstrations. Morning sessions run from 10:00 to 13:00 in the main hall (aula magna) of Palazzo Gallenga, focusing on institutional perspectives, clinical needs, and social policy.
The opening morning centered on “Autonomy and Independent Life,” featuring multi-voiced discussions on individual rights, clinical perspectives, and pedagogical approaches. Friday’s sessions turn toward “Training, Work, and Participation,” establishing a forum on building genuine pathways for inclusion through education, employment, and athletics while moving past what organizers describe as “la retorica dell’accessibilità di facciata”. Following the morning panels, participants join an inclusion-focused lunch organized by the La Brigata Indipendente association.
Parco Santa Giuliana Hosts Inclusive Sports and Music
Afternoon programming shifts outdoors to Parco Santa Giuliana, where Fispic delegations demonstrate sports tailored for athletes with visual impairments. Alongside blind football and judo showcases, the park hosts sessions for boccia, trekking, educational games, and theatrical performances.
Cultural events and live entertainment fill the evening hours at the park. Concerts and DJ sets run from 21:00 to 24:00, blending athletic outreach with public festival programming.
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