#sport4all - Engage people, listen to them, and understand the challenges: this is key for a tailored sport

The Summit "Sport for All. Cohesive, Accessible and Tailored to each person" has just begun at the Vatican. The day started with a welcome message and a time of prayer, followed by an introductory address by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life.

A rich dialogue about Sport for All opened with the words of the Cardinal: "Some might ask why the Church is gathering the world of sport to a meeting here. 'Togetherness' and 'encounter' summarise well the underlying motivation that moves us."

The first conference was on the new challenges of sport today "change or be changed", followed by a long session on the word "tailored" to study inclusion in the world of sport. These presentations were held by Monsignor Melchor Sanchez de Toca, Dicastery for Culture and Education, and Caterina Gozzoli, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart (Italy).

After the coffee break, Andrew Parsons, President of International Paralympic Committee,  took the floor for his speech, explaining that "sport is the fundamental right of every single person. The key to tailor it well is to engage people, to listen to them and to carefully understand the challenges."

The afternoon was dedicated to the word "accessible". Rev. Patrick Kelly, SJ, Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Detroit Mercy, and Mr. Filippo Grandi, High Commissioner of United Nations for Refugees, opened the dialogue by focusing on social policies leading to accessible sport. The participants then had a moment of discussion before meeting in working groups to reflect on concrete actions.

The day ends with a cultural and sporting experience in the Vatican Museums