Sport as a tool for inclusion and solidarity.
The initiative promoted by RCS Sports & Events, Roma Capitale and ACLI represents the natural evolution of the Giro d’Italia’s legacy projects developed in partnership with Roma Capitale. After three years dedicated to urban regeneration through mural art, the focus now shifts towards initiatives with a strong social impact, through the donation of 35 bicycles to children, families and people living in vulnerable situations.
The symbolic handover of the first 11 bicycles took place today at the San Giuseppe Protection Centre, affiliated with ACLI Roma, in the presence of Alessandro Onorato, Councillor for Major Events, Sport, Tourism and Fashion of Roma Capitale; Roberto Salamini, Head of Marketing & Communication at RCS Sports & Events; and Lidia Borzì, Vice President of ACLI Roma.
The bicycles will be donated to the children hosted by Casa Pollicino, which provides care for children awaiting foster care or adoption, and Giardino di Pace, a facility supporting mothers and their children.
The initiative also involves several organisations across Rome that work every day to support vulnerable people. In addition to the bicycles delivered today at the San Giuseppe Protection Centre, the following donations will be made:
– 3 bicycles to Casa Rifugio Agar, a shelter for refugee women and women who are survivors of violence together with their children;
– 4 bicycles to Casa Accoglienza Riparte, part of the Sette Soli Per network, for young people leaving residential care, enabling them to commute to work;
– 7 bicycles to the Basilica of Saint Sophia, for Ukrainian children currently living in Italy and for children who remain in Ukraine.
The bicycles were purchased from Rossignoli, Milan’s historic specialist bicycle retailer, while the protective helmets were donated by Decathlon, highlighting the strong partnership between public institutions, businesses and third-sector organisations in support of the local community.
Quotes
Alessandro Onorato, Councillor for Major Events, Sport, Tourism and Fashion of Roma Capitale: “The Giro d’Italia, like all the major events we have brought to Rome, represents added value for the city, not only in terms of its economic, tourism, employment and image impact, but also through legacy projects such as this one that we are delivering together. It is a source of great pride to be here today and see these children smiling thanks to the bicycles and helmets we have given them. We will continue delivering bicycles to two more family homes in Rome. I would like to thank RCS and Decathlon for their support, ACLI Roma for their collaboration, and all the volunteers at the family home. Once again, we are proving that major events are a valuable resource for Rome”.
Roberto Salamini, Head of Marketing & Communication at RCS Sports & Events: “The Giro d’Italia does not end at the finish line of the final stage. We believe that a major sporting event should leave a tangible legacy in the communities that host it, creating value far beyond the sporting dimension. Following the mural projects developed over the past few years together with Roma Capitale, we are proud to continue this journey with an initiative that puts people first, especially children and families facing difficult circumstances. These bicycles are a symbol of freedom and new opportunities. This is the true meaning of the legacy we want to build through the Giro d’Italia”.
Deborah Di Stasio, Project Manager at Decathlon: “At Decathlon, we design accessible products, services and experiences because we are committed to breaking down the economic, practical and cultural barriers that prevent people from leading active lives. Making well-being accessible requires many players on the field. Together with Roma Capitale, RCS Sport & Events and ACLI, we are working to promote accessibility, well-being and sport for everyone”.
Lidia Borzì, Vice President of ACLI Roma: “This initiative demonstrates how the legacy of a major event can have a meaningful regenerative impact on the local community. Thanks to the ACLI Roma network, these bicycles have reached organisations that every day welcome, support and accompany the most vulnerable members of society, ensuring they are delivered where they can make the greatest difference. A bicycle may seem like a simple gift, but for a child, a mother facing hardship or someone striving to build a better future, it can represent freedom, independence and a real opportunity for inclusion. For this reason, we thank the Department for Major Events, Sport, Tourism and Fashion of Roma Capitale, RCS Sports & Events, Decathlon and all the organisations that believed in and made this initiative possible. When institutions, businesses and associations work together, solidarity becomes tangible and can truly change people’s lives, helping to build a community that looks to the future without leaving anyone behind”.
