FITARCO Partners with Fondazione Gigi Ghirotti for Charitable Jersey Auction
The Italian Archery Federation (FITARCO) is renewing its long-standing commitment to humanitarian aid, continuing a multi-year partnership with the Fondazione Gigi Ghirotti. In a gesture of solidarity, the federation is facilitating a fundraising effort centered on an auction of jerseys donated by elite national archers.
The initiative highlights the ongoing “sensibilità” (sensitivity) of the arcieri azzurri—Italy’s national team athletes—who have stepped forward to support the foundation’s critical socio-sanitary missions. Among the high-profile items available for auction are jerseys from Barbieri and Roner, two prominent figures within the Italian archery circuit.
For those unfamiliar with the organization, the Fondazione Gigi Ghirotti operates out of Genoa, Italy, where it has provided essential health services for over 40 years. The foundation specializes in free palliative care, offering support to individuals suffering from incurable or chronic diseases and providing critical assistance to their families.
A Lifeline in Genoa: The Mission of Fondazione Gigi Ghirotti
The scope of the foundation’s work extends across the city and province of Genoa, ensuring that patients have access to dignity and professional care regardless of their financial situation. Their service model is dual-pronged, providing care both within dedicated hospice facilities and directly in the patients’ homes.
Under the leadership of President and Founder Prof. Franco Henriquet, the foundation focuses on “giving value to every moment.” This philosophy manifests in a comprehensive suite of services, including home care, hospice assistance, the distribution of pharmacy aids, and the operation of an Alzheimer Café to support those battling cognitive decline.
To provide a clearer picture of the foundation’s reach, the 2024 operational data reveals the scale of their impact in the region:
- Patients Assisted: 2,244 individuals received free care in 2024, with 1,745 receiving home visits and 499 being cared for in hospice settings.
- Volunteer Force: 256 active volunteers contributed their time to fundraising, pharmacy operations, event management, and direct patient assistance.
- Professional Staff: A team of 195 employees and collaborators—including doctors, nurses, psychologists, physiotherapists, and OSS (healthcare social operators)—manage the daily clinical operations.
The Intersection of Sport and Solidarity
FITARCO’s decision to align with the Fondazione Gigi Ghirotti is not a one-time event but part of a sustained effort to employ the visibility of professional sports for social good. By auctioning the gear of top-tier athletes like Barbieri and Roner, the federation leverages the passion of the archery community to generate tangible financial support for palliative care.
This partnership underscores a broader trend in international sports where national governing bodies utilize the “star power” of their athletes to address local healthcare crises and support vulnerable populations. In this instance, the focus remains on providing free, high-quality end-of-life care and chronic disease management.
FITARCO ancora al fianco della Fondazione Gigi Ghirotti: all’asta le maglie di Barbieri e Roner.
How to Support the Cause
Beyond the FITARCO auction, the Fondazione Gigi Ghirotti maintains several channels for public support to ensure their services remain free of charge. These include:
- 5×1000 Donations: Italian taxpayers can designate a portion of their income tax to the foundation.
- Testamentary Legacies: The foundation accepts bequests to secure the future of its palliative care commitments.
- Volunteering: Opportunities are available for those wishing to assist in healthcare, fundraising, or event coordination.
The collaboration between FITARCO and the foundation serves as a reminder of the impact that sports organizations can have when they seem beyond the podium and toward the needs of their local communities.
The foundation continues to update its community on upcoming events, such as the “Outdoor Emotion Genova” fitness and walking event and various fundraising lotteries, as they strive to maintain their 40-year legacy of care in Genoa.
For the latest updates on the jersey auction and other FITARCO solidarity initiatives, followers are encouraged to monitor the official federation channels.
What do you think about athletes using their gear to raise money for palliative care? Let us realize in the comments below.
