MODENA – Mototherapy, pet therapy, green therapy, experiential workshops: the second edition of “Togo – Joy of life”, from Friday 24th to Sunday 26th May at the Novi Sad park in Modena.
Three days dedicated mainly to children and people undergoing treatment or with disabilities during which space is given to complementary therapies – which can accompany but not replace medical care – in particular to their power of involvement, to stimulate communication, relationships social and good mood.
The event is conceived and organized by FAS Security Solution, with the patronage of the Municipality of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, ModenaFiere, ModenAmoreMio, BolognaFiere Group, Panathlon, Biohabitat; Magni Telescopic Handlers and BolognaFiere Group are the main sponsors and Radio Bruno is media partner of the event with free entry and open to all.
A preview of Togo is already planned Wednesday 22 Maywhen an electric two-wheeler and its rider Max Bianconcini enter the Modena Polyclinic, in the Pediatrics department directed by Professor Lorenzo Iughetti who made this experience possible, thanks also to the collaboration of Panathlon Modena and its president Maria Carafoli. On this occasion the freestyle motocross champion Massimo Bianconcini gives young hospitalized patients the opportunity to get on his motorbike. To date, over 60,000 children with disabilities, hospitalized children and people with various forms of autism have been able to experience this experience, improving their quality of life.
This type of activity was the subject of a study by the Regina Margherita Hospital in Turin, which was then published in the European Journal Of Integrative Medicine: what emerged from the study is that, thanks to the emotions aroused by electric two-wheelers, the perception of pain and stress levels are reduced, negative emotions weaken, positive emotions increase. Today numerous Italian hospitals adopt this activity in the ward as a fixed appointment (Gaslini Hospital in Genoa, Santa Margherita in Turin, Pope John XXIII in Bergamo, Cancer Institute in Milan, to name a few) to support young people with disabilities and their loved ones, or in the onset of a certain disease, particularly oncological ones.
From motorbikes to animals to games: complementary therapies for the most fragile in Togo
The beauty of the sport, the thrill of speed, the smiles of those who know how to push themselves beyond obstacles are also ingredients of the three days in Togo, during which numerous professional motorcyclists – the “friends of DaBoot” – give the opportunity to try the motor therapy.
For younger children, electric mini motorbikes and an ad hoc circuit are available to transform themselves into riders for a day in complete safety.
But there are also other complementary therapies: Fanep volunteers propose the pet therapy with five greyhounds rescued from abuse in Spain, the UK and Ireland, where these dogs live an existence of cruelty; stroking the dog on the belly, listening to its breathing, feeling the heart by placing your ear on the animal’s chest creates a moment of mutual relaxation; Felix & co.’s cats are also present. available for cuddles and purrs.
With a path among plants and flowers it is also possible to try the “green therapy”, based on the awareness that the natural environment can have a positive effect on people’s psychological well-being; among the benefits observed, for example, are the decrease in cortisol levels (the so-called stress hormone) and the increase in serotonin (or “happiness hormone”), which together help to reduce anxiety and stress.
Three days of workshops, meetings, shows and music
In Togo there are numerous moments of inclusion: among these the first day of the event includes a walk inside the park “together towards the finish line”, thanks to the collaboration of Dr. Giacomo Guaraldi, Rector’s Delegate for Disability and DSA at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia.
An opportunity for a group of children with disabilities – already identified for organizational reasons – is to participate in the free guided tour of the rooms of the Modena Town Hall, accompanied by volunteers from the Blue Cross of Modena (Friday at 5.30pm).
Then there’s room for adrenaline: the team of DaBoot champions, in addition to offering motor therapy, on Saturday and Sunday performs in various freestyle motocross shows where you can witness the evolutions of motorbikes tens of meters above the ground.
Many associations are present, involving the public with their experiential workshops: in an area curated by Ludo Labo, children and parents can challenge themselves with board games, boxed games and even old-fashioned wooden ones; and then, thanks to the Finale Emilia Fire Brigade, the little ones can experience the thrill of being firefighters for a day, but also getting their “hands on” with culinary workshops organized by the Frolleria designed specifically for them.
The food & beverage area is unmissable with Togo Street Food and of course the music: on Saturday evening Radio Stella Disco Valley will entertain the participants.
