Parzanica. His motto, as a good Bergamo native, is “Mola mia”. So, less than a year after the terrible motorcycle accident that left him confined to a wheelchair, Simone Cristinelli next June 2nd he will realize one of his dreams: taking part in the 71st international motorboat raid from Pavia to Venice. With a beneficial aspect: supporting the health workers of the Blue Cross of the Basso Sebino of Sarnico, those who rescued him last August 20th while he was motionless on the asphalt after the terrible fall from his two-wheeler.
The race, starting from the famous town which for two centuries was the capital of the Lombard kingdom, will take him to the splendid setting of the finish line: the dock of the Venetian arsenal. The 29 year old from Parzanica chose to embark on this adventure in November, when his friend Peter, an expert carpenter, proposed it to him and began the restoration of a 6 meter long 1968 “DP6” hull. Simone, on the other hand, after a long hospital stay and tiring rehabilitation, thanks to his experience as a nautical mechanic, dedicated himself to setting up the systems, accessories and installing the new engine, a Mercury F225, which will propel the old boat.
“It is a historic competition with departure and arrival on the same day along the Po river – Simone’s words -. With its 410 kilometers it is the longest race held on inland waters. You can participate with any type of vessel. I can not wait to leave”.
After the development of this project, the young man plans to return to the job that he is passionate about, that of a nautical mechanic, although he is aware that he will do it in a different way. As for this race, for which he has already equipped himself with a special approved harness with his winch to be able to get on board.
Simone made a point of involving the “Croce blu basso Sebino” Association in this adventure, which helped him after the accident, making it the recipient of the funds raised through the Gofundme platform or directly by crediting their current account.
In the meantime since he returned home with his mother Emilydad Louis and his brother Luca, Simone has started, through associations, schools and speakers, an important awareness campaign on safety on the road and at work, spreading his testimony. In particular, the message he wants to convey is that “disabilities must not be an obstacle to the passions of a lifetime and to one’s work, because despite adversity we must always find the strength to start again and look forward to continue doing what the passion it indicates to you, trying to look at the surrounding reality in a different way: an opportunity can arise from every critical issue”.
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