Football as a tool for inclusion, prevention and social engagement. This is the spirit behind the memorandum of understanding signed this morning at the Renzo Barbera Stadium by Palermo FC President Dario Mirri and Alberto Firenze, General Director of Palermo’s Provincial Health Authority (ASP). The agreement marks the beginning of a collaboration between the Rosanero club and the local health authority aimed at developing social, healthcare and educational initiatives for the community.
The partnership brings together two institutions deeply rooted in the local area, united by a shared commitment to promoting people’s wellbeing through projects focused on children, families and the most vulnerable members of society.
Among the initiatives included in the agreement is the “Rosanero Nati” (“Born Rosanero”) project, through which babies born at ASP maternity units will receive a Palermo FC welcome kit consisting of a personalised bib and a certificate bearing the child’s name. A symbolic gesture designed to strengthen the bond between the city’s team and new generations of Palermitans.
Another key element of the partnership is the “Dribbling Disability” project, which will offer children and young people with autism spectrum disorder the opportunity to take part in Palermo FC activities and events, including special initiatives organised around matches played at the Renzo Barbera Stadium.
“We are proud to launch this collaboration with Palermo ASP,” said Palermo FC President Dario Mirri. “Our Club has a deep connection with the city and feels a responsibility to contribute to the growth and wellbeing of its people. The strong sense of belonging that links Palermo FC to its supporters and the local community is an extraordinary value that we want to nurture through social and inclusive initiatives, especially those aimed at younger generations and the most vulnerable members of our community.”
“Palermo FC represents an extraordinary sporting and social institution within our city,” said Alberto Firenze, General Director of Palermo ASP. “Through this agreement, we are bringing together expertise, values and shared commitment to create initiatives that will have a tangible impact on the community. Health, inclusion and support for the most vulnerable are goals that belong as much to healthcare as they do to sport. From today, we will work together to turn these goals into opportunities and shared projects.”
The agreement also paves the way for further joint initiatives in the fields of prevention, health education, psychological support and the promotion of healthy lifestyles, highlighting sport’s unique ability to convey positive messages and engage broad sections of the population.