Stellantis Autonomy is the mobility program created to allow those with motor, sensory or intellectual limitations to move with the cars of the Stellantis group. The commitment was renewed on the occasion of the first edition of SUDS Open Euro TriGames 2021 for Athletes with Down Syndrome, which took place from 5 to 10 October, in Ferrara. Stellantis Autonomy was in fact the main sponsor of the event.
The event promoted by Fisdir (Italian Paralympic Sports Federation of Relational Intellectuals), by Suds (Union for athletes with Down syndrome), by the Italian Paralympic Committee, by the Emilia-Romagna Region, by the Municipality of Ferrara, by the Regional School Office and by the University of Ferrara involved about 350 athletes with Down Syndrome, accompanied by 150 family members, doctors and staff members from seventeen countries. The multidisciplinary sporting event saw the boys compete in eight disciplines: 5-a-side football, athletics, tennis, table tennis, judo, swimming, synchronized swimming, 4 × 4 basketball.
In addition to being a sponsor of the event, Autonomy also supported the organizers at the logistical level. All the athletes who took part in the competitions were able to travel on cars of the Stellantis group. The dedicated fleet consisted of two Ducato Fiat Professional models and, thanks to the collaboration of the Ghedini Group, also a Jeep Wrangler, a Jeep Compass and a Stelvio Alfa Romeo, car dealership in Bologna for all the brands of the Stellantis group. The two supporting Ducatos have been equipped for the transport of the disabled by the partner companies Olmedo and Handytech.
For those who have never seen a competition of this type, it is advisable to attend in the future: these athletes honor the concept of sport in a complete way, beyond any preconception. It is hoped that events will grow, perhaps with further support from programs such as that of Stellantis Autonomy, born over twenty years ago with the aim of encouraging, facilitating and ensuring freedom of movement. With its mobility centers, the program offers disabled customers concrete help in solving problems related to driving a car adapted to their needs. Customers can test their residual motor skills using special simulators, become familiar with the modified vehicles and request the opinion of doctors and physiotherapists and of the operators of the centers themselves.