The “Spirito di Stella” last week tied up in Naples on the quay of the Navy, right next to the launching ramp where the young Mascalzones enter the water for training every day.
Andrea, her owner, who is confined to a wheelchair, invited the curious youngsters to visit his splendid catamaran that is perfectly adapted to the needs of paraplegic kids.
The kids were struck by the ingenious adaptations for making life on board practical and comfortable even for someone moving around on a wheelchair. Moved by Andrea’s energy and the accounts of the other crew members, they returned to our base reflecting hard on how important the perception of pain is in daily life and on how much these kids too, who often feel unlucky, are actually extremely lucky and can do unimaginable things just as Andrea did after his accident.
We hope a little of the Spirito di Stella has taken root in each of our kids and will guide them with courage into the future.