The Giro d'Italia bring joy to young patients

Creating a positive social impact is a core part of the Giro d’Italia’s mission. Beyond sport, the event is committed to raising awareness among the public and institutions, promoting territories, excellence and tourism, while prioritising the well-being of communities, spectators and participants alike. Special attention is also given to children’s health and care, which inspired a series of initiatives carried out in December in collaboration with two leading non-profit organisations: Associazione Veronica Sacchi and Fondazione De Marchi.

Together with their mascot Wolfie – created years ago in partnership with WWF Italy to promote awareness of wolf conservation – the Giro d’Italia and the Giro d’Italia Women visited children undergoing treatment at San Paolo Hospital and at the De Marchi Paediatric Clinic of the Policlinico of Milan, offering moments of joy, play and light-heartedness.

For over 24 years, Associazione Veronica Sacchi ODV has supported people facing illness and vulnerability through clown therapy. Its volunteers bring red noses, music and small acts of magic into hospitals, building genuine connections based on empathy and listening, and transforming each visit into a shared human experience. The Association was founded in 2001 following the death of Veronica Sacchi. Her parents chose to turn their loss into a lasting act of love and commitment, creating a project that reflects Veronica’s desire to care for others and engage in volunteering. Today, that vision lives on, one smile at a time.

Fondazione De Marchi has been working for more than 40 years at the De Marchi Paediatric Clinic of the Policlinico of Milan, supporting young patients by improving hospital spaces and wards, providing advanced medical equipment, promoting research and funding scholarships for doctors, healthcare professionals, psychologists and art therapists. Among its initiatives is the Assisted Holidays programme, which allows children and their families to enjoy day trips, weekends away or seaside stays while continuing to receive the necessary medical support. Fondazione De Marchi is also a partner of the Milan Marathon Charity Programme, which helps raise funds for its projects.

Through these and other initiatives, the Giro d’Italia and the Giro d’Italia Women aim to set an example as sustainable and ethical sporting events, where social commitment goes hand in hand with environmental responsibility, leaving a meaningful legacy for children, communities and the planet.