Mar 19 • 05:47 UTC 🇮🇹 Italy Il Giornale

Rugby Against Discomfort, the Boys Go to Goal

A new program in Lombardy named "In Meta!" aims to engage youths from disadvantaged neighborhoods in rugby, promoting physical activity and community from the isolation of digital spaces.

The Lombardy Region has initiated a program called "In Meta!" designed to engage youths from underprivileged neighborhoods in rugby as part of a strategy to combat social isolation and promote physical activity. The program originated from collaborations between local community centers and schools, emphasizing that being energetic is not a crime, but rather a source of life when channelled through sports under defined rules. This aligns with broader social inclusion goals, aiming to remove youths from both the streets and the digital isolation they face in their rooms.

The agreement was signed by Federica Picchi, the undersecretary for Youth and Sport, along with Paolo Vaccari, the vice president of the Italian Rugby Federation (Fir), and received support from famed rugby player Diego Dominguez. The initiative is designed to provide regional funding to help incorporate educational projects from the Fir into these disadvantaged communities, creating a safe environment for boys and girls to engage not only in rugby but also in social development. The program intends to use the sport as a catalyst for addressing issues like marginalization and the challenges faced by today’s youth.

By leveraging rugby's structured format, "In Meta!" offers a pathway for bettering the lives of youth steeped in adversity, helping them learn valuable life skills and team dynamics. This approach not only aims to foster better integration of teenagers into society but also encourages physical health, teamwork, and camaraderie. The program has ambitious goals to attract these youths, diverting them from negative influences and providing a sense of belonging within a community framework built around sport.

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