Camaleonti: an experience of inclusion that overcomes all limits

After the unforgettable last year’s trip to Lisbon, I Camaleonti (“Chameleons”) – the football team from Lugano (Switzerland) made up of people with disabilities – have recently concluded another extraordinary adventure.

In the Spanish capital, from 19 to 22 April the Camaleonti had the honour of being hosted by the prestigious Madrid Galacticos and playing a friendly tournament together.

To go beyond and overcome physical, emotional and social limits: this is the message that, with passion and determination, the Lugano team has been carrying around Europe for several years now, finding increasingly more affection and admiration.

AN UNFORGETTABLE ADVENTURE IN THE TEMPLE OF FOOTBALL

The preparations for the trip involved intense team work, as well as the participation of numerous staff members, for a total of 11 volunteers between carers and nurses. The meticulous organisation ensured that the 19 Chameleon players had not only a memorable, but also a perfectly managed experience.

Among the many activities carried out during the stay, the highlight was the mini-tournament with the Blancos on April 19, followed by a comprehensive visit to the Real Madrid centre and historic stadium Santiago Bernabeu: a moment full of emotions for the Camaleonti who, walking on this pitch so steeped in football history, have made their lifelong dream come true.

This extraordinary adventure in the temple of Spanish football marked a further step forward in the dissemination of a message for social change: an assist to inclusiveness that will continue to resonate in the hearts of all those who took part in this trip.

In the words of Boris Angelucci, Director of the Associazione I Camaleonti:

“The bond between players and staff, to whom I offer my personal thanks, has consolidated. Knowing that we can count on fine people, as well as on players who are gaining awareness allowed everyone to experience an actual football trip. Here in Madrid – just like in Bonn in 2022 and in Lisbon in 2023 – we were welcomed and pampered like we didn’t even imagine: the Spanish trip allowed us to fulfil a dream within a dream”.

AN ASSIST TO INCLUSIVITY, TOGETHER

So, a wonderful fairy tale for both the Camaleonti and their companions, arisen from profound and authentic bonds established over time between the Swiss organisation and the Spanish club.

Indeed, everything started from a 2022 documentary produced by RSI (Radiotelevisione della Svizzera Italiana, “Radio-Television of Italian Switzerland”) dedicated to the history of the Camaleonti which, after a few years, opened the doors to this special invitation to visit the prestigious premises of the Madrid club, play a tournament and experience the emotion of a competition that challenges prejudices and breaks down barriers.

Passion for sport and inclusion are values also shared by IBSA, which has always been committed to promoting sporting and social projects, such as that of the Camaleonti, a team that knows how to give joy and fun and offer the opportunity to reflect on the value of the Person and inclusiveness.

The Camaleonti are available to plan activities with schools and companies to promote inclusion and equity.