Paralympic champion Carlo Calcagni is among Puglia’s excellencies

In the splendid setting of the Aula Magna of the Ionian Department – Seat of Jurisprudence (Ex Caserma Rossarol), in Via Duomo 259 in Taranto, the official award ceremony of the Eccellenze Pugliesi Avviso C 2024 was held, promoted by the Apulia Region as part of the Annual Program of Youth Policies.

Among the protagonists of this special day was also Colonel of the Role of Honor of the Italian Army Carlo Calcagni, Paralympic athlete, Victim of Duty, Injured and Mutilated for Service, a living symbol of fortitude, love for life and active witness against indifference and injustice.

The recognition that the Apulia Region wanted to give him falls under the scope of the’Notice C – Actions for the enhancement of Apulian talents and excellence – testifying to an extraordinary life path that, amid personal battles, sacrifices and international sports achievements, was able to transform pain into a mission, and illness into an opportunity for rebirth.

“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from my land – Calcagni emphasized.

Apulia is roots, identity and pride. I want to share this moment with those who have believed in me, with those who walk alongside me and with all those young people who today, more than ever, need concrete and true examples, capable of inspiring and generating hope”.

They are the ones who have believed in me.

Calcagni chose to dedicate the award to all victims of duty, of all times and places: “I dedicate this award to the Servants of the State, often forgotten by the very State we have served with honor. My thoughts also go to our families, who are our shield, our anchor, our show of strength. It is only thanks to them that we are not overwhelmed by the indifference that surrounds us and by illness. But it is sad to think of the many colleagues who did not make it”.

And then, he added, with his trademark strength: “For me, the most important race is the one against the disease. That is why I run. I am thankful every day to God, science and sports, which allow me to still be here, and to really live, in the deepest sense of the word”.