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The Success of a Running Race Organised with the Scout Group
A bridge made of steps, smiles and solidarity: this is the image that will remain etched in the hearts of those who took part in the charity footrace “Da Sponda a Sponda 2024“ with Le Aquile Mattiniere, an event that united sport, community and altruism in a memorable day.
An Event Born from a Shared Dream
The initiative, organised with the support of the Wauregan Clan and the Scoutmasters Community of the Agesci Prato 4 scout group, was born from a simple but powerful idea: to use the movement and union of people to build something concrete for those who need it most. Scouts have always worked closely with local associations, families and volunteers to plan every detail of their activities and educational mission.
The Race and its Route
The race route, symbolically named ‘From Shore to Shore’ (Da Sponda A Sponda), ran along a scenic route that connected two opposite banks of the city river. Each participant, crossing bridges and paths, helped to strengthen the invisible bond that unites the community.
Along the 10-kilometre run, the support of the public was overwhelming: families, friends and ordinary passers-by cheered, encouraged and supported the athletes of all ages.
Click here to see photographs of the event.
Solidarity Numbers
The event registered over 1300 participants, including professional runners, amateurs and simple walkers. Thanks to the registrations and donations collected during the day, over 8,500 euro were collected, destined for the charitable projects of LILT – Lega Italiana per la Lotta contro i Tumori, sez. di Prato, which has for years been at the forefront of primary prevention projects (lifestyles and habits: combating smoking and environmental and occupational carcinogenesis, a correct and healthy diet, regular physical activity), secondary prevention (accelerated procedures for increasingly early diagnosis), tertiary prevention (taking care of the sick person, the rehabilitation aspects – physical, psychological, social and occupational – and their families) and scientific research. LILT was awarded the Gold Medal for Public Health Merit in 2003 by the then President of the Republic Carlo Azeglio Ciampi.
In addition to the €4,000 donated to LILT, an equal amount was donated to Casa Edoardo, the ambitious project of the Sant’Anna Education Centre, also realised in collaboration with our scout group, dedicated to educational-recreational and training paths to help adolescents and young people plan their future.
In addition, a further €900 was donated to the initiatives of Borgo Tutto è Vita, located in the municipality of Cantagallo, another ambitious project dedicated to the realisation of a hospice for terminally ill, frail people, the elderly and others.
The Role of PRATO 4
The Agesci Prato 4 scout group played a central role in organising the race. Besides preparing the route, the young volunteers took care of setting up refreshment points, distributing information material and involving the local community. Their energy and dedication were contagious, turning a simple sporting event into a true celebration of solidarity.
Beyond the Race: A Bridge to the Future
‘Da Sponda A Sponda’ was not just a race, but a message of hope and collaboration. The organisers showed that, by joining forces, even small communities can achieve great goals. And as the sun set on the last bank crossed, the promise to continue building bridges – real and metaphorical – became the symbol of a success that goes far beyond the day of the event.
Conclusion
The ‘Da Sponda A Sponda’ footrace was a triumph of participation and solidarity, an example of how sport and volunteering can create a lasting positive impact. Thanks to the scout group and all participants, the bond between the two shores became stronger, as did the bond between people in the community.
Because, in the end, every step we take together brings us a little closer to those who need our help.
See you next year!
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