Parma, 8 May 2024 - After the success of the two previous editions and with 360 athletes ready at the starting line, the third edition of 'Tardini for Special' returns. The event organized by Parma Calcio and Parma Calcio Academy is dedicated to Paralympic and experimental football, scheduled for Sunday 12 May. The events take place between the Ennio Tardini and Parco Ferrari, where the matches of the First Phase will be played in the morning.

360 ATHLETES AND 24 TEAMS

The tournament encompasses 24 teams divided into three levels of disability. Representation, to name but a few, is coming from AC Milan, Juventus, Hellas Verona, Sassuolo, Cagliari, Atalanta, Sampdoria, and Fiorentina but will see the participation of teams from all over Italy and abroad. In particular, Ajax and San Marino will be representing Europe. We must not forget Stefano Cavalli's Parma Special team, the Gialloblu team affiliated with the Paralympic and Experimental Football Division.

The teams will be divided into 3 levels. In level 1, in two distinct groups, Parma Calcio, Cremonese, Ajax, and RG Ticino will compete in one group, while Torino, Reggiana, Milan, and Ness1 Esculso will face off in the other group. In level 2, Juventus, Blue Star, Hellas Verona, and Sassuolo are in group C, while in group D it's Bologna without Barriers, Insuperabili, San Marino, and Special Team Pavia. In level 3, Union Picena, Fiorentina, Feralpisalò, and Sampdoria are placed in group E, while group F comprises Cagliari, Pol. Cassina, Real Sala Baganza, and Atalanta.

The Program

In the morning, the 24 teams, divided into six groups of four teams, will compete in single-round matches at the fields of the club US Audace (Parco Ferrari). In the afternoon, starting at 14:00 CEST, the Final Phases will begin at the Ennio Tardini. All the kids will have the opportunity to play a match on the same field where, a few days ago, our Men's First Team celebrated winning the Serie BKT championship and promotion to Serie A. The closing ceremony, attended by representatives of the Club and local authorities, is scheduled at the Ennio Tardini starting at 17:00 CEST.

Parma Legends

In a day of fun and many emotions, the winners of each category will challenge a Gialloblu Legends team on the Tardini field, which includes Alessandro Melli, Marco Osio, Luigi Apolloni, Marco Ballotta, Zé Maria, and many other historic stars of the club.

Sports and Inclusion

'Tardini for Special' will be an opportunity to promote friendship and inclusion, underlining the value of sports. Many associations will be present in the afternoon, in the areas in front of the stadium, to allow children and youngsters with disabilities to get close to the Paralympic world. Always With Blue, Gufi Hockey School, and Cus Parma will give the attendees the chance to experience motor pathways, skating, and golf. Paralympic champions Vittorio Podestà (handbike) and Lorenzo Nunziato (duathlon) will be taking to the field to share their experiences. 'Tardini for Special', in addition to the Municipality of Parma, AUSL, and UISP of Parma, is sponsored by Lega Serie A, Lega Serie B, Lega Pro, Lega LND, CONI, and FIGC.