2012 Volume 9 Pages 44-53
People with mental health problems in Italy have attempted to obtain sport rights through football movement in the history of the community mental health promotion. As a result of such movement, the national championships have been held since the 1990s. In order to contribute to the worldwide development of football movement for people with mental health problems, this study examines how Italy has succeeded in promoting football and which policies and systems in the field of mental health problems have had an impact on the enhancement of the football movement. To do so, this study conducted interviews with two medical doctors who have been leading the football movement. This study found the three key points. First, the 1978 Basaglia Law had influenced on the development of sport, including the football movement of people with mental health problems. Second, it identified that sports for people with mental health problems have been systematized in the area of public mental health services. Third, there are two types of championships in Italy; one is mainly for people with mental health problems (which is similar to championships in Japan) organised by UISP (Unione Italiana Sport Per Tutti). The other aims to promote social integration to minority people, including people with mental health problems, organised by ANPIS (Associazione Nazionale Polisportive per l’Integrazione Sociale).
