Leonardo with the Defence Paralympic Sports Group (DPSG) athletes for a more inclusive culture

Leonardo's support to the DPSG arises from the strong collaboration with the world of Defence and from shared values, such as perseverance, willingness, discipline, and continuous search for improvement.

LT Fabio D'Acchille from the Defence Paralympic Sports Group

Methodical and persevering, but also precise and a little bit stubborn: this is how Fabio D'Acchille, a Lieutenant Commander of the Italian Army and Paralympic athlete specialising in weight throwing, defines himself. He doesn’t use social media, likes action TV series and Sylvester Stallone movies. His life-long dream? To reach the highest levels of sports competition.

Capt. Piero Rosario Suma from the Defence Paralympic Sports Group

Piero Suma, a Captain of the Arma dei Carabinieri, who was honoured in 2022 with the title of “Ufficiale dell'Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana”, talks about the passions and dreams that accompany him in sports and in life. He loves Ostuni, his hometown, and describes himself as persevering, enterprising and stubborn. His favourite sports idol? The Olympic champion Edwin Moses.

Col. Roberto Punzo from the Defence Paralympic Sports Group

After his debut in the Padel Mixto tournament, in which people with and without disabilities play on the same court, Colonel Punzo describes the importance of partner interaction in padel. Besides finding harmony and complementing respective skills, it is essential to work on personal weaknesses, which can be turned into the duo's strengths.

Riccardo Menciotti from the Defence Paralympic Sports Group

Generous, obstinate, and disorganised, this is how Riccardo, known as “Mencio”, a Paralympic swimmer who represented Italy at the Tokyo 2021 Paralympics, describes himself. He loves his sport despite considering it tough and is inspired by the US champion Ryan Lochte. His lifelong dream? For now, it remains top secret...

LTC Gianfranco Paglia, captain of the Defence Paralympic Sports Group

Lieutenant Colonel Paglia concluded his match by winning the title world master title in class 2 table tennis, and describes the emotions underlying a day of fun, sacrifice and sharing. These are the values of sports, capable of breaking down all kinds of barriers: physical, mental, and linguistic.

Matteo Pieropan from the Defence Paralympic Sports Group

Matteo shares with us emotions and dreams from the poolside after the Paralympic Swimming International Competitions in Rome. The ambition to always do better is the engine to look forward. For Matteo there is always a finish line to overcome, a challenge to take on. And the next one will be in Brescia, for the Italian Absolute Championships.