Valerio, born with Down syndrome, saves a little girl and becomes an honorary policeman

A doctor told his mother that her son would be “a flower that is not destined to bloom.” Instead Valerio Catoia, a boy from Latina born with Down syndrome, in twenty-one years of life it has already achieved the goals and deserved the honors that few people manage to achieve.

Paralympic competitive swimmer (as revealed by his sculpted physique), he works in a company engaged in the clean energy sector and has become a scout leader. She loves dancing, especially zumba and Afro-Caribbean dancing.

But most of all, saved a life. When he was 17, he did not hesitate to dive into the sea to rescue a child who risked drowning off the Bufalara, in Sabaudia.

On that occasion, however, something paradoxical happened: if most people showered him with compliments, acknowledging his courage and determination, a group of haters unleashed him on the Net, addressing him with a series of incredible insults and offenses. Valerio did not break down and, following the advice of his family, he decided to report the group to the Postal Police. With “intelligent detachment”, as he relates Republic, who told his story.

President Sergio Mattarella awarded him the title of Standard bearer of the Republic for his civil commitment, and this evening Valerio will receive another tribute to which he cares a lot. He will also be given the title of “Honorary policeman”, for having shown “great strength, courage and generosity” – these are the words of the State Police – by saving a child in danger of life. But not only: Valerio also distinguished himself for having responded to hatred via social “with civil commitment”.

Now, therefore, it will also do from testimonial for an awareness campaign on the conscious use of the Internet and on the fight against online hate, by actively collaborating with the State Police. Of which, now, he is also a part.