Ivar, Ariel, Dolly, Lula and the others: the special kittens who have challenged their lives. And they have become stories

It is the class 1^b of the first degree secondary school of the Comprehensive Institute « Piazza Borgoncini Duke », plexus Santa Maria alle Fornaci of Rome, to win the First edition of the « Milo Prize » for disabled kittensliterary competition organized by Costanza Rizzacasa d’Orsogna with theNational Animal Protection Body (ENPA) and with the Animal courier. To determine the victory were the six stories written by the students including, in particular, « Ivar, the cat dancing with the mind», Written by Aurora Cocozzawhich will be published on the Corriere della Sera website.

There have been many works that have come from different Italian regions, written by young people and adults, many of excellent quality and it was not easy for the jury to select the winner. The story, the narration, the style, the ability to highlight feelings and emotions around the life of animals that many would define unfortunate but which in reality are simply special was taken into account. In the end, the story of Ivar prevailed, flanked by five others arising from the imagination and pen of the companions of Aurora. Second classified was « Ariel« , Of Ivana Vio of Alassio. Third place on equal merit for Gaia Nicolosiof Milan, with «A micia, a thousand possibilities. The story of Dolly»; And Claudia Consoniof Rome, with the story « My name is Lula».

The « Milo Prize » is dedicated to the memory of Milo, a black kitten born with the neurological syndrome of cerebellar hypoplasia and raised by Costanza Rizzacasa d’Orsogna. Protagonist before the successful column « Me and Milo » on the animal courier of the Corriere della Sera And then of the fairy tree for all ages Milo’s story, the cat who could not jumppublished by Guanda between 2018 and 2023 and translated from Europe to Asia, Milo died at almost 11 yearson March 22, 2024, but continues to live through his books, loved by adults and children.

His disability has never stopped him: Milo traveled throughout Italy and abroad, took the bath in the Mediterranean and walked on the Dolomites. And over the years he has met tens of thousands of elementary and middle school students, bringing everyone a message of courage and inclusion. His example was of inspiration for manyjust as the stories of this literary competition organized in its name will be.

The award ceremony of the « Milo Prize » 2025 edition will be held Wednesday 7 May at 11 In the Capitol in Rome, in the « Laudato yes » room.