Palazzo Pirelli: forum on Paralympic sport, inclusion and rights

Palazzo Pirelli: forum on Paralympic sport, inclusion and rights

On 9 March 2026, the Sala Gonfalone of Palazzo Pirelli in Milan hosted a public meeting titled "Beyond every limit – The strength and courage to never give up", focused on the societal value of Paralympic sport and the impacts of major sporting events.

The event explored how occasions such as the Milan‑Cortina 2026 Paralympics can foster a culture of inclusion and create opportunities for local communities and people with disabilities. The initiative involved institutional representatives and organisations active in sport and disability advocacy.

Main speakers and contributions

• Maira Cacucci – regional councillor and organiser of the initiative;
• Federico Romani – president of the Regional Council of Lombardy (official greetings);
• Elena Lucchini – regional councillor for Family, Social Solidarity, Disability and Equal Opportunities (official greetings);
• Marco Osnato – remarks on the institutional significance of the sporting event;
• Simone Rasetti – secretary general of the Italian Paralympic Committee (contribution via video message from competition venues);
• Athletes and paralympic representatives who shared direct experiences and examples of sporting excellence.

Relevance to monuments and historic sites

Palazzo Pirelli, the seat of the Regional Council of Lombardy, is a representative institutional venue that hosts cultural and social initiatives. Using historic halls and monumental palaces for discussions on rights and inclusion helps to:

• position monuments as active centres for civic life and public debate;
• promote accessibility and hospitality in historic public spaces;
• link architectural heritage with practical social innovation.

Takeaways and practical tips

The meeting at Palazzo Pirelli highlighted the need to turn interest in Paralympic sport into concrete policies and local actions. For visitors to monuments and historic palaces, events like this offer insight into how these sites can serve as platforms for inclusive projects.

Practical tip: always check accessibility options and visiting hours with institutional venues before attending events or guided tours.