The ‘cure’ on a sailing boat. A team for autism – La Nazione

The sailing boat becomes a healing space, where barriers are broken down. Thus autistic children are able to acquire new skills and overcome problems in groups. Yesterday the Marina di Carrara Nautical Club was the scene of the project ‘The sea unites what the land divides’, a three-day sailing trip for young people with disabilities. Some young people from ‘Autism Apuania’, a voluntary association made up of family members and friends of people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and from the ‘La Gardenia’ association, with their educators experienced firsthand the thrill of getting on a sailing boat, the Bavaria 46 Cruiser of ‘Fantiscrive Vela’, a community cooperative that operates in the social field. The experience began at the Marina di Carrara Nautical Club, with a moment of learning about the world of the sea, then the boys got on the boat with great emotion.

A new appointment today and tomorrow too. They were helped by volunteers from Fantiscitti Vela, which unites social cooperatives, associations and private individuals, united by the desire to improve personal and collective well-being through sailing and social commitment. “Through the practice of sailing – explains the president of the group, Massimo Ronchieri – we want to create an educational space dedicated mainly to young people and people with social disadvantage, psychiatric disorders, mental disabilities. We want to build a community space, bringing together people with stories different ones that are able to mingle and grow together. Sailing then becomes a space where you can test yourself in a protected way, knowing you can count on the support of the group. The energy created on Magica allows you to face your obstacles and try to overcome them. The boat becomes a treatment space where the cards are shuffled: yesterday we went out with three kids and their operators, today and tomorrow we will bring their parents. Usually we make them steer, a nice exercise in concentration”.

The project is supported by Banco Bpm and Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Carrara. “Social Boating – he adds – is not just a sporting practice, but a powerful tool for inclusion and well-being. With our commitment, we aim to create a more cohesive and supportive community, where each individual can feel valued and an integral part of the group” .

Monica Leoncini