Roma Cares begins first aid initiative at local sports club

Calcio con il Cuore (‘Football from the Heart’) aims to teach children at sports clubs around the city the basic techniques of first aid and CPR, so they are equipped in case of an emergency - either while playing or during their day-to-day lives.

Thanks to the support of Geco Animation, participating clubs will also receive defibrillators to use in an emergency – with the first of those being presented at Centro Sportivo Pio XI on Tuesday.

Club managing director Mauro Baldissoni, alongside Team Manager Morgan De Sanctis and Rome’s Minister for Sport Daniele Frongia, was in attendance for the event, as children were also taught CPR techniques by trained first-aiders.

“As a club we realise we have a great platform to help address social issues in the area, and know we must put this to use,” said Baldissoni. “Logistically there are areas that we can help in and we are keen to do that.

“Sport is also a vehicle to improve health and safety: prevention is essential and, if something happens on or off the pitch, we must also be ready to intervene.”

Minister Frongia added: “I must congratulate Mayor Raggi for this initiative. The backing of AS Roma and its foundation, Roma Cares, has also been key.

“We are working on, and will continue to work on, a number of initiatives to help sports in the city. It requires teamwork to score a goal, and teamwork is also needed in an emergency – and could end up saving a life.”

Further events will be carried out as part of Calcio con il Cuore over the coming weeks.

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