14,000 March for Hope: Sports Stars Join ‘Camminata dell’Amicizia’ to Support Disabled Children
Bosisio Parini, Italy, became the center of a massive display of community spirit and athletic solidarity as 14,000 participants gathered for the 51st edition of the Camminata dell’Amicizia. The event, a cornerstone of local charitable efforts, saw a “river of people” walking to raise critical funds for disabled children through the association La Nostra Famiglia.
The walk served as a dual celebration, marking the 80th anniversary of La Nostra Famiglia—founded on May 28, 1946—and the 20th anniversary of the beatification of its founder, Luigi Monza, which took place on April 6, 2006, at the Duomo di Milano.
Athletic Powerhouses Lend Their Support
While the event is rooted in charity, the presence of elite athletes underscored the intersection of sports and social responsibility. Among the high-profile testimonials was Federico Bosis, the Italian judo champion, who joined a roster of world-class competitors to draw attention to the cause.
The alpine skiing community was heavily represented, bringing some of the world’s fastest women to the trails of Lecco. The guest list included Olympic champion Federica Brignone, a gold medalist in the Super-G and giant slalom at Milano Cortina. She was joined by World Cup downhill winner Laura Pirovano, multiple downhill and giant slalom trophy winner Elena Curtoni, and Nicole Delago, who secured a World Cup downhill victory in Tarvisio.
The involvement of these athletes highlights a growing trend of professional sports figures leveraging their platforms for non-competitive, community-driven events. To preserve the event accessible and organized, the walk is recognized by Fiasp, the federation dedicated to non-competitive sports.
Funding the ‘Best Care’ Project
The primary objective of this year’s mobilization is concrete and urgent. Funds collected during the event are earmarked for the project titled “Meritano le cure migliori” (They Deserve the Best Care). The specific goal of the initiative is the purchase of 40 beds for inpatient care, ensuring that children with disabilities have access to improved medical facilities and comfort.
Organized by the Gruppo Amici di don Luigi Monza, the logistics of the day required a massive operational effort. Beyond the 14,000 walkers, 350 volunteers worked alongside public institutions to ensure safety and efficiency. Support came from the Croce Verde, Protezione civile, Radioamatori, and the Alpini.
A Community Festival in Bosisio Parini
The event functioned as more than just a walk; it was a full-scale community festival. Upon arriving at the finish line, participants were greeted by a variety of local culinary traditions and activities designed to keep the energy high.
- Local Fare: The Confraternita della pentola di Senago provided a traditional risottata, while the Pro loco di Barzanò served polenta. Sweet treats were provided by Bumbunat, and local bakeries from Erba and Como set up dedicated stands.
- Entertainment: The atmosphere was bolstered by performances from the Instead Band and singer Lubemi from Mandello.
- Interactive Zones: The Cai di Molteno hosted a climbing gym, and the volunteer firefighters of Canzo organized “Pompieropoli” for the attendees.
The guest list extended beyond the sports world to include various public figures such as Andrea Vitali, Francesca Fialdini, Mara Sangiorgio, Ale e Franz, Enzo Iachetti, Mago Forest, Patrizia Rossetti, and Giorgio Mastrota.
Key Event Details
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Participants | 14,000 |
| Volunteers | 350 |
| Primary Goal | 40 beds for inpatient care |
| Organization | La Nostra Famiglia (Est. 1946) |
| Location | Bosisio Parini (Lecco), Italy |
For a global audience, events like the Camminata dell’Amicizia demonstrate how regional sports cultures in Italy—from the prestige of Olympic skiing to the discipline of national judo—can be mobilized for humanitarian ends. By blending competitive fame with non-competitive activity, the organizers successfully turned a commemorative anniversary into a tangible lifeline for children in need of medical care.
The next steps for the organization involve the allocation of the raised funds toward the “Meritano le cure migliori” project to begin the procurement of the medical beds.
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