Dongdong Camanni

Started: He took up the sport at age eight in Foligno, Italy. (Quotidiano Nazionale Dailymotion profile, 24 Dec 2021) Reason: "I have always done sports. I started swimming at four years old. When I was eight years old my swimming pool closed for renovation and I couldn't be without sports. So, with the help of my parents, I approached judo. And in the end it turned out to be my path." (semprenews.it, 01 Dec 2023) Ambition: To compete at the Paralympic Games. (Quotidiano Nazionale Dailymotion profile, 24 Dec 2021) Additional Info: MOVE TO ITALY He was born near Beijing, People's Republic of China, and spent the early years of his life at a nunnery. "The nuns took care of me. I don't know who my parents are. I was suffering from bilateral retinoblastoma, an extremely dangerous tumour with a high risk of death. In China they had decided that my case was incurable. Luca Vinciguerra, a journalist from Il Sole 24 Ore, was working in Beijing at the time and took my case to heart. He got me the documents to come to Italy by putting pressure on the Italian embassy. Once I left and arrived in Milan, my adoptive family was waiting for me and from there I started my new life. I live in a family home, that is, an extended family where there are two parents who have decided to dedicate their lives to doing good for those in need and this is a beautiful thing." (gazzetta.it, 16 Nov 2023; rainews.it, 14 Nov 2023; alliedmobility.com, 22 Jun 2022; Quotidiano Nazionale Dailymotion profile, 24 Dec 2021) MUSIC ENTHUSIAST At age four he began playing the piano. He has studied classical music and enjoys jazz and blues. "Through music I found the way to express those feelings that I might not be able to with words." (rainews.it, 14 Nov 2023; alliedmobility.com, 22 Jun 2022)