The race is on for the AISM, the Italian Multiple Sclerosis Association. The sixth edition of CorriBicocca, on Sunday 22 October, organised by the University of Milano-Bicocca and the CUS Milano, confirms its charitable role: this year it will support the objectives of the AISM, the only organisation in Italy that, since 1968, has dealt with multiple sclerosis in 360 degrees, promoting scientific research, providing services to people with multiple sclerosis and representing and affirming their rights.
Part of the proceeds from the registration of CorriBicocca will be donated to the association,, which will be present on the day of the event with a stand in the Bicocca stadium (Viale Sarca, 205): AISM and its Foundation FISM (Fondazione Italiana Sclerosi Multipla) are convinced that people with multiple sclerosis and their families have the right to a good quality of life and full social integration. Hence the vision behind the association's activities: a world free of multiple sclerosis. The godmother of the sixth edition of CorriBicocca will be Cristina Nuti, the first woman with multiple sclerosis in Italy and Europe and the second in the world to have completed an Ironman (2022). And this year she has added an encore. She is also the Italian Para-Triathlon and Duathlon Champion. Cristina Nuti will be taking part in the race.
There are still a few days left to register for the race, which this year is called the "Anniversary Edition" to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the university's foundation: registration is open until Tuesday 17 October on the website www.corribicocca.it. Once again, there will be three formulas to choose from (all approved by FIDAL): the 5 km non-competitive, the 10 km non-competitive and the 10 km competitive. Families taking part in the 5 km race will also be able to benefit from a reduced price: all they have to do is register a minimum of two adults and two children under the age of 14 to take advantage of the family discount.
In addition, the day before CorriBicocca, Saturday 21 October, the village set up in the Bicocca stadium will host a multi-sport day for children aged 7 to 14 and their families. From 10 am to 5 pm, activities inspired by athletics, football, mini rugby and tennis will be on offer. The day is completely free and registration is required by emailing [email protected].
The meeting point for runners and outdoor sports enthusiasts will be in front of the Bicocca Stadium, the starting point for the route that will wind through the streets of the district.
"The anniversary edition of the CorriBicocca confirms once again that it is a race for solidarity", says the Rector of the University of Milano-Bicocca, Giovanna Iannantuoni, "and after having supported projects of the San Gerardo Hospital, the Rava Foundation and the Asilo Mariuccia Foundation in previous years, this year we want to support the AISM, which has always been at the forefront of scientific research into multiple sclerosis and at the service of people affected by this disease. Anyone who wants to take part in the charity run, which, as every year, will take place through the streets of the neighbourhood, will be making their contribution to the association's activities".
"The aim of CorriBicocca is not only to bring together the University community and the neighbourhood for a morning of sport and sharing", says Lucia Visconti Parisio, the Rector's Delegate for University Sport at Milan-Bicocca, "but also to publicise our commitment to research and our support for the organisations and associations working in this field. This year, for the 'Anniversary Edition', we want to be at the side of the AISM and its fundamental activity in the fight against multiple sclerosis. We have chosen an exceptional testimonial, Cristina Nuti, who, despite her illness, trains and competes at a high level. We believe that her presence will send a message of courage and resilience to our entire community".
"Once again, CorriBicocca is not only an event to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the University, but also a message of inclusiveness and solidarity," says Alessandro Castelli, President of CUS Milano. In agreement with the University, the 2023 edition of CorriBicocca will be an opportunity to support research by collecting a donation for the AISM. I am sure that all the participants will be able to share and bear witness to this commitment".
"We are proud and honoured to be the beneficiary of this edition of CorriBicocca, precisely on the 25th anniversary of the founding of the University of Milan-Bicocca," concludes Vittorio Borgia, President of AISM Milan. "Looking back 25 years ago, we can say that we have succeeded in changing the reality of multiple sclerosis: at that time, a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis meant having to question one's entire life and dealing with a chronic, progressive, unpredictable and highly disabling disease inevitably meant a wheelchair. Today, there are more than 20 drug therapies that can slow down, and in some cases stop, the progression of the disease. We have discovered many things about the disease, such as that exercise is good for you, that it does not make people with multiple sclerosis worse, and that on the contrary, exercise brings great physical and psychological benefits! But we still need to find the causes and, above all, we want to find a cure, and for that we thank you all: we still have a long way to go, but only by walking together will we be able to reach our goal: 'a world without MS'.