Pope Francis has written a letter of support for disabled champion Alessandro Zanardi, hospitalized since Friday in serious condition, presenting it as "an example of how to successfully start again after an unexpected stop", reports the Gazzetta dello Sport, which publishes the text.
"Very dear Alessandro. Your story is an example of how to successfully start again after an unexpected stop. Through sport, you have taught us to live a leading life, making disability a lesson in humanity, writes the Pope. Thank you for giving strength to those who lost it. At this very painful moment, I am close to you and I pray for you and your family. "
Amputee in 2001
Zanardi, 53, was very seriously injured on Friday in a road accident while operating his hand bike. He struck a truck and suffered numerous fractures in the face.
A former Formula 1 driver, Zanardi has become one of the great figures in disabled sports after being amputated in both legs in 2001 following a terrible accident during an IndyCar championship car race on the German Lausitzring circuit.
- Accident
- Pope Francis
- Italy
- Handisport
- Sport