Barrier free sea, sport and much more in the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, Italy

by Tiliaventum asd 28 Jun 15:21 BST

In Lignano Sabbiadoro (northern Adriatic Sea-Italy, inclusive hospitality is second nature thanks to the year-round "Sea4All—Sea for Everyone" initiatives organised by the local non-profit association Tiliaventum.

These initiatives rely on the accessibility of the site, sailing and motorboats, equipment and assistive devices, trained staff, and a wide variety of activities that allow everyone to enjoy the sea, the lagoon, the sun, wind, nature (common goods), and sports—all together without physical (architectural), cultural, or economic barriers.

The association's nautical base is located within D-Marin Punta Faro, which features reserved parking spaces, level pathways connected by low-slope ramps, internal transportation services using electric vehicles for users, accessible restrooms, and fixed docks connected to floating piers—where the boats are moored—equipped with protected ramps.

The Tiliaventum fleet includes accessible watercraft, such as Càpita, a 9.5-meter daysailer that can be accessed independently using one's own wheelchair (for those who use either manual or electric wheelchairs; it can accommodate three at a time) from the floating docks via a special ramp, allowing passengers to board and actively participate in sailing thanks to the spoke-less steering wheel, which is also equipped with a joystick accessory for steering should you have limited upper-body mobility, from the user-friendly placement of adjustment controls, manoeuvrers and controls, to color schemes that make it easier for those with visual impairments to identify spaces and onboard equipment, to the tilting floor to facilitate proper posture when the boat is heeled, to the absence of visual obstructions in the bow for better visibility from a seated position, and much more. This vessel is used throughout the year for open houses, courses, sailing trips, transfers, and participation with inclusive teams in regattas—including non-Paralympic events (such as the world-famous Barcolana).

Another accessible vessel is the 4All, a motorised catamaran that also allows passengers to board independently from floating docks. It can accommodate 6 wheelchairs (manual or electric) as well as 6 additional passengers, and is used for lagoon cruises, sport fishing, open-water swimming, free diving, and scuba diving (it is equipped with a removable hoist for lifting passengers). The fleet is rounded out by other more common watercraft, kite4all and sup4all boards, radio-controlled model sailboats, a tactile model of the Càpita sailboat, kayaks, 2 model sailboats, 10 tandems (2 of which are electric, thanks to support from Promoturismo FVG regional agency), a tricycle, bicycles (for excursions along coastal bike and pedestrian paths), and more. These shared activities, which date back to 1987, always involve everyone together—including people with motor, sensory, or intellectual/relational disabilities, the vulnerable and disadvantaged, the terminally ill, and so-called "able-bodied" individuals—both in water-based sports experiences and in relaxing social gatherings on land, always accompanied by local delicacies.

To date, over 9,700 dedicated inclusive days per person have been organised for participants from a wide variety of backgrounds—both Italian and foreign—thanks to the support of approximately 50 specialised technicians, instructors, volunteers, and assistants who take turns throughout the year. This confirms that experiencing the marine environment in this way can be an opportunity to improve people's quality of life, boost their self-esteem, the acquisition of new knowledge and skills, and the recognition of a role within the social fabric—particularly in initiatives where everyone is involved as volunteers as well. In fact, participants are not only active participants in the sports experiences offered by Tiliaventum but also active partners in organising and promoting these activities.

This summer's schedule is very packed, taking advantage of the warm weather and the inviting coastal breezes, and includes specialised sports programs (kitesurfing and SUP) tailored to participants from the Gorizia Health Center, inclusive training sessions and team regattas in the Upper Adriatic, open houses with institutions, sports organisations, ETS, and ODVs from all over Italy; instruction and training for coaches and staff; and presentations at schools and sports facilities to disseminate information, training, and best practices—while highlighting how the Regional Administration has long been structured through specialised organisations such as the Council of People with Disabilities and Their Families, with the technical support of CRIBA, and through the launch of the website www.friulievenziagiuliapertutti.it — currently being implemented — complete with detailed maps of tourist accommodations, along with research, training, assistance, and support initiatives whose tangible and trustworthy impacts contribute to an increasingly fulfilling daily life in the region.

Best wishes to everyone in Friuli Venezia Giulia Region and fair wind to everyone.