On Saturday morning, in the presence of the middle school classes of Sarsina and Ranchio, at the premises of the Gioia Cultural Center, Bartali shared the precious testimony of his grandfather Gino: winner of 3 Giri d’Italia and 2 Tour de France. It was an initiative that the administration organized on the occasion of the historic passage of the Tour de France in Italy where the first stage, Florence-Rimini (passing through Sarsina), is dedicated to Gino Bartali. About 120 kids attended the conference and left excited and enthusiastic.
The story of Gino Bartali is a very powerful testimony of faith, sports education and solidarity. In absolute anonymity he contributed to saving around 800 Jewish citizens during training, which allowed him to move with a certain freedom along the roads of his Tuscany. He carried, hidden inside the barrel of his bike, the false documents which allowed many Jews to escape persecution and deportation. For this reason the recognition of “Righteous Among the Nations”.
“A special lesson from Gioia – commented the mayor Enrico Cangini and Marica Santucci – who spoke to our young people with immense respect and delicacy about the public and private figure of his grandfather, a very devoted and kind man. A man who left an important teaching: ‘The last dress is without pockets’. Carrying this principle means facing life putting generosity, friendship, altruism, help and solidarity first. We sincerely thank Gioia for the great opportunity reserved for us.”
