In Ticino, the panorama of support for people with disabilities is experiencing a turning point: the merger between two historic entities is official, the Ticino paraplegic group (GPT) and the wheelchair group inSuperAbili. This union – which will keep the name of the first group – marks the birth of a larger and more structured association, with over 600 members distributed throughout the canton.

The Ticino paraplegic group, founded in 1979 and formerly a section of the Swiss Paraplegic Association (ASP), has always had as its main objective the promotion of the quality of life of people with disabilities, enhancing their abilities through sports and social activities. On the other hand, inSuperAbili, founded in 2012, has stood out for its dynamism and innovative approach to sports activities, in particular with the handbike team that will continue to compete maintaining its name and brand, strong in the successes achieved, including the recent victory of the Giro d'Italia di handbike 2024.

Leading this new reality will be a committee of 12 members, representing the two original associations, with Nicola Canepa as president and Walter Lisetto as vice president. The common goal is clear: to strengthen support for people with spinal cord injuries, promoting inclusion and access to new opportunities.

For the Ticino paraplegic group, a shared mission: inclusion and equal opportunities

The merger represents an event almost unique in its kind in Ticino and aims to be a model of effective collaboration. The new GPT aims to break down the physical and mental barriers that still hinder the full participation of people with disabilities in society. The main objectives include:

  • promote sports practice at amateur and competitive levels;
  • carry out social, cultural and awareness-raising initiatives;
  • to protect the interests of people with spinal cord injuries towards the authorities and the public;
  • promote friendship and solidarity among members;
  • work to break down architectural and cultural barriers.

Sport, culture and support: all-round commitment

Sports remain one of the pillars of GPT's activity. The disciplines offered range from basketball to handbiking, from swimming to powerchair hockey, up to tennis and yoga. Competitive teams, such as the Ticino Bulls (basketball), the Cyber ​​Falcons (powerchair hockey) and inSuperAbili (handbiking), continue to proudly represent Ticino in national and international competitions.

In addition to sports, the GPT offers legal services to assist members in matters related to insurance, social rights and relations with the authorities. There is no shortage of cultural and leisure initiatives, designed to encourage meeting and sharing among members, strengthening the sense of community.