VDA Trailers will donate the proceeds from the sale of solidarity bibs to DISVAL in support of the redevelopment project of the Salle de Gymnastique in Aosta. Since 1989, DISVAL has been promoting and spreading the practice of all sports, with a particular focus on people with disabilities, recognizing the importance of physical activity for this category of individuals, both socially and psychophysically. The association has always made integration between able-bodied and disabled individuals its strength, becoming a reference point not only locally but also on a European level.
In order to further expand its action, DISVAL intends to redesign and redevelop the Salle de Gymnastique, built in 1929 a stone's throw from the center of Aosta and unused for several decades, with works for energy redevelopment and restructuring that, in addition to restoring to the city a historical building for sports practice, also aims to ensure better accessibility for people with disabilities and equip the gym with innovative equipment and aids that will allow people with motor disabilities to train while remaining seated in their wheelchairs. The gym will be open to all athletes, effectively promoting interaction between disabled and non-disabled individuals.
The social significance of the project, as well as its international scope - Egidio Marchese, president of DISVAL, is part of the Italian National Wheelchair Curling Team, with which he has participated in the Paralympic Games and various World Championships - has led VDA Trailers to support the project: "This project has been in the works for a long time, and now it finally sees the light thanks to the tireless commitment and passion that DISVAL has always shown," explains Alessandra Nicoletti, President of VDA Trailers. "I would describe this project as 'grandiose', which not only returns a historic building to the city of Aosta but also a structure with innovative machinery and, above all, a place in the city center open to everyone, promoting integration and interaction between disabled and able-bodied athletes. The great importance of this project, which will be possible to follow step by step, has motivated us to support it wholeheartedly. It's a long journey, so we will continue with DISVAL in the coming years."
"The collaboration with TORX® shows the importance of sports and where it can lead: to think that the Giants of trail running integrate with people with disabilities is beautiful," explains Egidio Marchese, President of DISVAL. "I am truly honored that high-altitude sports support our 'dream': the renovation of the Salle de Gymnastique. This facility will be returned to the entire Aosta Valley community and offer many an important opportunity to engage in sports activities. The project for a gym for all started in 2010, we had many difficulties finding an accessible location, but now we have left these situations behind. DISVAL strongly believes in this project, and this long-term collaboration allows us to move forward step by step towards the goal of refurbishing the building in Piazza della Repubblica in Aosta. The Salle de Gymnastique will be fully accessible in every part and free of architectural barriers, because the person is at the center of the project."
The solidarity and eco-friendly bibs will be put on sale on 100x100trail from 12 p.m. on Monday, April 1st, until 12 a.m. on April 30th. In particular, 20 solidarity bibs will be available for the TOR330 - Tor des Géants® and the TOR130 - Tot Dret, and 10 eco bibs for the TOR330.The cost of the solidarity bibs for the TOR330 is 2,000 euros, of which 1,000 euros will be donated to DISVAL.
The proceeds from the sale of the 20 solidarity bibs for the TOR130 - Tot Dret (priced at 1,000 euros, of which 500 will be donated) will also be allocated this year to LND Famiglie Italiane Onlus, the association of Italian families engaged in the fight against Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, which finances and implements research and intervention projects to support families and patients of all ages.
The 10 eco bibs for the TOR330 - Tor des Géants® will also be on sale at a cost of 2,000 euros, of which 1,000 euros will be allocated to finance activities related to reducing the environmental impact on the event's territory.