Disabled man jumps with a parachute, the feat of a 52 year old

(ANSA) – MONTESILVANO (PESCARA), APRIL 19 – Forced to live in a wheelchair due to a disabling leg disease, he parachutes from 4,200 meters above sea level, fulfilling his dream. It is the story of Gianfranco Ciavattella, 52 years old from Montesilvano, who was able to make his wish come true thanks to his nephew Massimiliano, soldier of the 8th ‘Folgore’ regiment. Ciavattella launched into a tandem flight, supported by the pilot and instructor of the ASD ‘Fly For Fun DZone’, Santiago Calzolari. Over a minute of free fall at a speed of around 200 km/h, to then begin the descent and landing phase in complete safety thanks to a special harness. “It was the promised gift for my uncle’s 50th birthday – confides the young Italian Army soldier – and thanks to the preparation and expertise of the parachuting school in Molinella, in the province of Bologna, we managed to give this indescribable emotion both to him and to all the staff.” “What I felt is difficult to describe – says Gianfranco Ciavattella – A charge of adrenaline and a very strong sensation that I would never have imagined I could experience. Over time I have learned to live with my permanent disability, but I never set limits for myself. Previously , my other nephew Davide, now a chef in Toronto, hosted me in Capri where he worked and I will soon join him in Canada. I thank my family and in particular my brother Giulio for the affection and attention they reserve for me every day. for the many surprises that I’m not used to.” The flight was filmed and documented by the videomaker Francesca Di Palma, with the technical and organizational support of the instructor Massimo Di Pietro and the president of Skidive Flygang, Riccardo Salardi. (HANDLE).