Roma Cares and Lazio Foundation team up to say no to violence

Roma Cares and Fondazione S.S. Lazio 1900, the two charity arms of AS Roma and S.S. Lazio respectively, are joining forces to step up in the battle against violence.

The two clubs will take to the pitch in a show of unity this Sunday, as part of the ongoing UEFA Festival that is currently celebrating the 2020 European Championship.

The game itself will take place as part of the Festival events in Piazza del Popolo on Sunday 20 June at 16:30 (CEST). Two representatives from each foundation will come up against each other in a three-a-side match whilst wearing #noviolence slogans on their shirts.

Ex-Roma players Vincent Candela and Alessio Scarchilli, along with Director of Roma Department Francesco Pastorella, will participate in the event.

They will be joined by Ruben Della Rocca, vice-president of the Jewish Community, Father Bonifacio Lopez, the captain of the priests' national team, and former Formula 1 driver Giancarlo Fisichella and cyclist Emiliano Cantagallo.

In addition to the match in support of the cause, Roma Cares and Fondazione S.S. Lazio 1900 will announce the launch of a project focused on tackling violence in stadiums.

The project will lead to the restoration of the mural dedicated to Vincenzo Paparelli, Antonio De Falchi and Gabriele Sandri, fans of both clubs who were victims of such acts of violence.

The restoration of the artwork will be a clear message of the union of both Roma and Lazio against all forms of violence.

“We are coming from a season that has seen the club work relentlessly on a local level,” said Stefano Scalera, AS Roma’s External Affairs Director.

“We have been to hospitals, foster homes, schools, and the streets of our city to bring messages of solidarity and concrete action during the pandemic period, which has put all of us to the test.

“AS Roma has always placed a strong emphasis on sporting values and we are happy to be able to participate in this event and help promote principles of sporting integrity and the battle against all forms of violence.”

Gabriella Bascelli, President of the Fondazione S.S. Lazio 1900, added: “Sunday’s event is a symbol of revival, after some difficult months.

“It’s an example of how sport has a unique ability to create hope among people. On behalf of Fondazione S.S. Lazio 1900, we are honoured to be able to work alongside our friends at Roma Cares to raise awareness about an issue as important as this one: the fight against violence in stadiums.

“As Nelson Mandela once said, sport has the power to change the world, to create hope and unite people. And so together, with the memories of Vincenzo Paparelli, Antonio De Falchi and Gabriele Sandri in our minds and the support of all those who find their sense of community in a common spirit behind us, we are ready to spread our wings and show what this city stands for.”