They are the guys from OPS Cambio di rotta!

A group of young people from Valtellina who brought something great out of the province. 

Their show, "OPS nel Paese dei Balocchi", is a special reimagining of the story of Pinocchio. 
It is a test of strength, determination, and the desire to get involved. 
And they succeeded. They are young people with intellectual disabilities, and for this reason, their challenge is even greater. But their response has been even more powerful.

On Wednesday, May 21, they took to an important stage in front of an attentive and emotional audience. Everyone was cheering for them, even from afar, because they deserve it more than anyone else, for their commitment, their journey, their energy.

And those smiles and that commitment were recognized, indeed. 

They brought home three awards:

Best Actor to Davide Cazzaniga
“Semplice Magia” Mention to Benedetta Naritelli, the Fairy
Special Mention for the elegance and effectiveness of the show: from costumes to live music, from the set design to the lights to the videos. Everything carefully studied down to the details, everything made with care.

Behind this success, there is enormous work. 

There is the association OPS – Cambio di rotta, which creates true opportunities for these kids every day.

There is Roberta Bertolatti, who started all of this with energy, heart, and vision. 
And then there are the volunteers, the collaborators, the people who believed in it wholeheartedly: the director Loredana Piacentino and Hadi Habibnejad, Alessandra Massimino, the musicians, the technicians. A true team, united, motivated.

Those who saw the show also in Sondrio, where it was staged with two highly attended and heartfelt performances, know: OPS nel Paese dei Balocchi stays with you. 
It makes you emotional, it makes you reflect, and above all it shows what can really be done when you believe in people.

The satisfaction of these kids was visible in their faces, but even more so, it is felt in what they managed to convey. They will surely carry this experience inside them for a long time, and a boost of self-esteem so beautiful and deserved is not forgotten.

In a world where it is often difficult to find space, attention, and respect, this is concrete proof that inclusion is not just a word, but an action. 
And that, together, something truly special can be built.

A heartfelt thank you to Il Veliero di Monza for giving them this opportunity.
And a huge applause to the whole OPS team.
You have done something unforgettable.

If you want to learn more about the association OPS! Cambio di Rotta: https://bit.ly/3ZhweIz