On behalf of the municipal administration and the entire Turritan community , I wish you a good journey, a metaphor for your life journey: step by step, facing challenges and overcoming difficulties. You are truly an example to everyone, also for the teamwork you create among yourselves and with your coach Massimo Carta. We thank you, because in an extremely contagious way you convey positive, clear, and direct messages that society sorely needs. These are the actions and projects that truly deserve to be highlighted.
These were the words of the Mayor of Porto Torres, Massimo Mulas, yesterday morning at the Palazzo del Marchese, during the meeting with Daniele Buongiorno and Luca Parodi , who are ready to depart on October 4th to walk the Camino de Santiago with the educator and athletic trainer Massimo Carta . Also joining them was the captain of this excellent team , Dino Loi, who completed the entire athletic training program but, unfortunately, had to withdraw at the last minute due to an injury.
The athletes from Turrita will begin their adventure in northern Spain to join other pilgrims and tackle the French Way, from Sarria to Santiago: a 114 km itinerary to be completed in 4 days, averaging 28 km per day.
Daniele, 40, Luca, 34, and Dino, 47, all of whom have autism spectrum disorder, began preparing for the challenge more intensively in April under the expert guidance of Massimo Carta. Despite his 100% disability due to the loss of one arm in an accident, he has tenaciously supported them for four years as part of their activity at their "second home": the Porto Torres Tennis Club. The boys trained with gym sessions, running, and hiking in the local mountains.
Massimo Carta reiterated the positive effects of sport on those with autism spectrum disorder: it reduces hyperactive and stereotyped behaviors and improves social skills, although, from this point of view, the athletes from Turrita will undoubtedly have a lesson to teach all the other pilgrims.
