The Special Olympics Italy Unified Cup team had the honour of attending a general audience with His Holiness Pope Francis in the Vatican.
During the ceremony, His Holiness lit a torch to commemorate the Special Olympics 50th Anniversary and offered a special blessing for our movement: "The world of sport offers a special opportunity for people to grow in mutual understanding and friendship … On all those who support the goals of Special Olympics, I gladly invoke the blessing of joy and peace that God will protect you."
Special Olympics Italy is among the 24 Unified teams, athletes with and without intellectual disabilities, who will participate in the first ever Special Olympics Unified Cup presented by Toyota. The football tournament will take place in Chicago, Illinois 17 to 20 July and is a central event of the Special Olympics 50th Anniversary Celebration. To learn more visit Special Olympics 50.