Elisa and Gabriele—who has starred in Italian dramas ‘Ognuno è perfetto’ and ‘Upside Down’—had the honour of walking the red carpet at the 81st Venice International Film Festival thanks to Lexus, Special Olympics Italy’s mobility partner.
Elisa says, "I felt at the centre of the world while I walked the red carpet with my princess dress like famous people. It's nice that it happened to me because I have always had in my heart a crazy desire to be an example for all kids who are like me. I want to show then that we can get where we want to go with our skills and our heart, even if many people—particularly at school—gave strange looks! For me it’s a triumph on behalf of all Special Olympics athletes".
When asked if he has met anyone famous people, she says "The very first famous person I met was Gabriele Di Bello who is a famous actor and above all he is a Special Olympics athlete like me. A wonderful friendship was born between us. I did take photos with the actors who were in the film we saw and whom everyone photographed, but I didn't know them!"
Gabriele adds, "I felt great emotions walking the red carpet of the Film Festival and I am happy to have done it together with Elisa. Several people recognized me as an actor, Elisa was the first! We met other actors, I didn't know the language but we understood each other anyway by exchanging smiles and posing together for photos."
Both Elisa and Gabriele were deeply grateful to Lexus for giving them this once in a life time opportunity. Elisa says, "Lexus in my opinion is a phenomenal sponsor because it has given us this wonderful experience and makes us feel really important just as we are.” Gabriele adds, "Thank you very much to Lexus for giving us this great experience, we will never forget it".
When Elisa finally comes down to earth from the glitz, glamour and exhilaration of the Venice International Film Festival, she will continue her training for the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 which will take place next March. She will compete in the discipline she loves, DanceSport, which combines elements of dance and athletic competition. Athletes perform choreography to music, which may include a variety of dance styles such as ballroom, modern dance, hip-hop, and others.
