Roberto Pira is a member of the Italian National Greek-Roman Fight team currently participating in many tournaments to qualify for the Olympic Beijing Games in the 60 kg category. He has been the Italian Champion several times and has participated in many World Championships both Federal and Military, World Cups, European Cups and International Tournaments.

Roberto's dream is to take part to the next Olympics which will be held in Beijing, but at the same time he needs to approach to the labour market. To achieve his dream Roberto must find a job compatible to his training so he joined the Athlete Career Programme and is participating in all steps.

"The agreement I signed with the Army in 2003 was expiring in 2007. From 2003, to achieve elite athletic status, I had to practice three times a day and I had to stop my focus on studies. As I feared to compromise my future, I couldn't do my best while competing. Surfing the Internet I came across ACP, the program which help athletes facing labour market. Even though I had no intention on leaving my sport career, I decided to get more information and got in touch with ACP Manager who is an ex Olympics athlete in Italy. After a first phone interview, I understood she was the right person who could help me and I scheduled a meeting. I told her my story and it seemed clear the most suitable solution for me was to find a job that allowed me to earn a living and to practice at the same time. As it was not that easy to combine my need for working and my passion for training, we met several times and decided together on options which should be my future job program. After evaluating some opportunities, I chose to work for Alitalia where, while working on shifts, I could practice.

Thanks to this Program and to all the people who helped me, I found the right solution custom-made for my needs.

To all the readers of my story: never ever give up!