Mattarella welcomes vulnerable people to Castelporziano: “Remove hidden obstacles”

The presidential estate at Castelporziano is once again filled with children, elderly people and vulnerable individuals. These are the very people whom President Sergio Mattarella has been welcoming for 11 years to the residence on the outskirts of Rome, which covers almost 6,000 hectares. From March to August, social initiatives and summer camps organised by the Presidency of the Republic since 2015 – when his term of office began – are dedicated to them. In total, more than 20,000 people have taken part, with over a thousand this summer.

And it is precisely they who take centre stage at the closing ceremony. Opening with Mameli’s national anthem in sign language, performed by the ‘Mani Bianche’ choir and conducted by Lorena Bianchetti, the stage is taken in turn by tango dancers, jazz singers and actors. The Head of State greets the guests warmly: “Welcome back, and see you next summer.” In return, he receives a flurry of hugs, kisses and selfies – some requested, others snatched. “President, you’re always in our hearts,” says a little girl to catch his attention. The estate, nestled within a nature reserve and overlooking the sea at Ostia, is also filled with voluntary organisations that help the most vulnerable throughout the year.

At Castelporziano, the aim is clear: “to break down barriers – as stated in the Quirinale’s official statement – and to give guests the opportunity to see themselves differently and define themselves differently”. Amid controversy over a lack of inclusion and the cap on foreign pupils in schools, Mattarella reiterates the concept: he addresses the nation and urges it to “remove the obstacles and barriers that prevent so many of our fellow citizens from living their lives to the full”. And whilst last year he observed that “some barriers have been abolished, removed, eliminated”, this year he highlights the “invisible obstacles, hidden in prejudice, selfishness and ignorance”. In addition to the visible ones, “against which action can be taken and where there is still a long way to go”. Mattarella recalls that in the summer “Castelporziano becomes a training ground for civility and solidarity, and this sends an important message”.

Thanks to the project – organised by the General Secretariat of the Presidency of the Republic, in collaboration with the Lazio Region, the Metropolitan City of Rome and Roma Capitale – numerous activities have been organised, reaching a wide range of participants. These include young people staying at seaside resorts to enjoy the sea in summer, and older people taking part in social activities. There are also nature walks in the park and tours of the castle grounds, as well as an inclusive horse-riding programme designed for children in care homes.