The countdown continues: less than two months to go until the eleventh edition of the Wings for Life World Run, the simultaneous global charity run that every year sees hundreds of thousands of participants running or walking together for a good cause: finding a cure for spinal cord injuries.
Numerous events are organized around the world. In Italy, you can participate usingthe Wings for Life World Run app (available for iOS and Android), which allows you to run individually wherever you want, or in a group by joining the Run apps in your area (the list of available apps, including Milan, Rome, Cattolica, Genoa, and Palermo, can be found on the website).
Now it's time to enthusiastically announce the two protagonists who will accompany this new Italian edition with their voices: travel blogger and 'positivity influencer' Giulia Lamarca, in the role of 'motivator' for the runners, and basketball champion Gigi Datome, who will play the role of catcher Car, the 'moving finish line' that has always characterized the Wings For Life World Run.
Giulia Lamarca and Gigi Datome will not only be the official voices of the Wings for Life World Run app, but will also be present at the App Run organized in Milan on Sunday, May 5, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. Italian time, at the MIND Milano Innovation District, to participate in the event alongside the other ambassadors already announced: Olympic biathlon champion Dorothea Wierer, Moto 2 and Moto 3 riders Tony Arbolino and Filippo Farioli.
Gigi Datome, a legendary figure in Italian and world basketball, will be the voice of the virtual Catcher Car, the mobile finish line that will start 30 minutes after the race begins and chase the participants, ending their race once they are caught up. Always committed to social causes, Gigi symbolizes the virtuous union between sport and charity, and this year, as ambassador and participant representing EA7 Emporio Armani Olimpia Milano at the Wings for Life World Run, he will fly the flag of solidarity.
"I am very happy to support the Wings for Life World Run, not only with my voice, but also with my presence," said Datome. "It's a wonderful event, a day of celebration and sport for a good cause: 100% of the registration fees and donations will be donated to scientific research to find a cure for spinal cord injuries."
Alongside Datome will be Giulia Lamarca, travel blogger and influencer with more than half a million followers on Instagram. With her characteristic charisma, energy, and passion, Giulia will serve as a motivational voice, encouraging and spurring participants on to give their all until the very last meter. Lamarca, who has been in a wheelchair since 2011 when she suffered a serious accident on a moped, perfectly embodies the spirit of the event: running for those who cannot, in support of research into spinal cord injuries.
"I had a lot of fun lending my voice to accompany and support those who will be running the Wings for Life World Run on May 5."Giulia continued: "Furthermore, for someone like me who loves traveling and experiencing different cultures, it's exciting to be part of such an inclusive global event that has the power to make a difference for those who have suffered spinal cord injuries."
One example above all others is the story of Michel Roccati, a young man from Turin who lost the use of his legs due to a spinal cord injury following a motorcycle accident. In 2020, he became one of the first three people in the world to regain mobility in his lower limbs and walk again, thanks to an experimental project developed in Lausanne and funded in part by money raised by the Wings for Life World Run. On May 5, Michel will be in Milan at the starting line alongside Giulia Lamarca, Gigi Datome, and all the other ambassadors to make the 2024 edition of the Wings for Life World Run even more memorable.
You don't have to be an athlete or a regular runner to participate in the Wings for Life World Run. You can run or walk at your own pace, knowing that every step counts because it helps give hope to those who have suffered a spinal cord injury. All race participants will receive a free official Wings for Life World Run T-shirt created in collaboration with global partner adidas, letting everyone know that the wearer is running for those who cannot.
To register for the race and download the app, visit www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com. To join a team or create a new one, visit www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/teams.
