During its Annual Meeting on August 31, 2024, the Italian Association of Athletes Living with Diabetes (ANIAD) announced its newly appointed Board of Directors for the 2024–2027 term. The new leadership team comprises: Cristina Brunelli (President), Marcello Grussu (Vice President), Francesco Sanfilippo (Secretary), Alessio Fresco (Treasurer), Giuliano Priori (Advisor), Carmelo D’Arrigo (Advisor) and Benedetto Mameli (Advisor).
A legacy of impactful leadership
After nine years and three terms as President, Marcello Grussu stepped down from his leadership role, which he had assumed in September 2015 at the invitation of then-President and founding member, Dr. Gerardo Corigliano.
During Mr. Grussu’s presidency, ANIAD was very successful in raising awareness of diabetes and fostering greater inclusion of people living with diabetes (PwD) in sports and society. Key accomplishments included:
- Promoting the diabetes-sports connection: ANIAD championed initiatives that combined sports with diabetes awareness, ranging from participating in key sporting events such as the Rome and Milan marathons to organising cycling tours and public discussions on healthy living and diabetes management.
- Collaborations with national and professional organisations: Strategic partnerships and agreements with national sports federations and professional bodies were cornerstones of ANIAD’s mission to advance PwD’s rights in athletic and social settings.
- Institutional advocacy: The association actively engaged in institutional roundtables and worked with international scientific societies to address critical issues, such as disparities in access to diabetes care in Italy.
- Pandemic response: During the COVID-19 pandemic, ANIAD acted as a critical bridge between PwD and healthcare institutions, facilitating the dissemination of accurate health information and guidance.
- Global engagement: At the European and global levels, ANIAD collaborated with IDF Europe on the Sport & Diabetes project, advocating for greater inclusion of young PwD in sports and called for policies improving diabetes care, aviation licensing for PwD and anti-doping regulations in sports.
A Vision for the future
The new Board of Directors will continue to build on this foundation, fostering stronger collaborations with institutions and other civil society organisations.
Dr. Brunelli, ANIAD’s newly elected President, expressed her gratitude for her predecessor’s contributions and shared her aspirations for the association’s future. “The prerogatives of ANIAD are unique in the national landscape,” she remarked. “We are committed to maintaining robust planning while expanding and sharing our expertise in a unified context. Our ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life of people living with diabetes and bridge regional disparities in care.”
Building on the principles outlined in the “Manifesto of Rights for People Living with Diabetes”, signed during World Diabetes Day at the Italian Senate in November 2024, collaborations are already active with associations of PwD and sports clubs. These synergies aim to provide comprehensive training and awareness programmes for diabetes management in sports, fostering a better quality of life and empowering individuals to achieve their goals.
IDF Europe extends its sincere gratitude to Mr. Grussu for his outstanding leadership over the past years. We also express our full support to the newly appointed President, Dr. Brunelli, as she embarks on this important role.