Tremosine 4All, for accessible tourism for all

25 January 2024

People with motor disabilities can also go hiking in the mountains, walk scenic trails or dive into the waters of lakes and seas. But to do so they need special aids, which are very expensive.
This is the starting point for the 'TremosinesulGarda4All' project, which was presented yesterday, Wednesday 24, at a press conference at Palazzo Lombardia, Milan, with the launch of a fund-raising campaign to purchase sports equipment for the disabled, such as paracycling bikes (handbikes) and special trekking or bathing buggies, to be made available to citizens and tourists with disabilities who want to use them.

Mazzali: 'Lombardy a leader in hospitality, also inclusive
"Lombardy is increasingly strengthening its ability to include and offer everyone, be they tourists from abroad or our fellow countrymen, all the more so those who are more fragile, the chance to enjoy the beauty of our territory," commented Barbara Mazzali, Lombardy Region's Councillor for Tourism, Fashion and Marketing.
"For this reason," the councillor continues, "the inclusive tourism project, 'Tremosinesulgarda4all', promoted by the Pro Loco of Tremosine sul Garda, is one of those initiatives that we cannot fail to take to heart, because it means giving the most fragile people the chance to do what we take for granted: a hike in the mountains, a bike ride, a swim, activities that become a source of wonder and joy in one of the most fascinating territories in Italy. The magical view from the many terraces of Tremosine, the villages overhanging Lake Garda and the majesty of the Strada della Forra, remind us how small and fragile we human beings are and how immense and unexpected are the wonders of our Lombardy territory'.

The initiative's partners
In her speech, Francesca Frigerio, president of the Pro Loco Tremosine, went into the details of the project, emphasising first of all 'the generous collaboration of Bcc del Garda, which, through the Creo initiative, co-finances projects of particular social relevance. Thanks to this synergy, we have been able to organise the fundraising that aims to reach the minimum goal of 6,000 euro to buy a Joelette Kid that will allow families with children with motor disabilities to practice running and trekking, and a handbike to allow adults to experience cycling. If the generosity is greater, a Joelette Adventure for adults and a Sofao bath wheelchair will also be purchased.

Crowdfunding
The sports equipment will be available, free of charge, for all tourists and citizens who wish to use them, at the Pro Loco premises, where they will also find detailed information on suitable routes and other recreational activities they can access in complete safety, as learnt through the S.T.A.I. project promoted and financed by the Lombardy Region. The new equipment will complement the two bathing buggies purchased last summer by the municipality and located in Campione, which also allow wheelchair users to move around the beach, enter the water and enjoy the pleasure of a swim.

The handbike champion
Simona Canipari, a Para-cycling world champion and athlete of the national Paralympic handbike team, who has been wheelchair-bound for six years due to a car accident, spoke at the conference.  "Borrowing sports aids for the disabled means helping them to start living again, and this was also the case for me. Having a handbike on loan, which costs a lot to buy, has allowed me to start doing sport again, first in a recreational way, then at a competitive level to the point of being called up for the national Paralympic team and competing all over the world.

From the Region project S.T.A.I., a model for the 2026 Paralympics
The Lombardy Region is also in the field to facilitate disabled access to all the services they need, including those in tourism. In collaboration with the main associations that deal with disabilities, the regional administration has promoted the S.T.A.I. project (Services for Accessible and Inclusive Tourism) with the aim of enhancing mountain and lake territories. After its launch in the provinces of Brescia and Bergamo, on the occasion of their special role as Capital of Culture 2023, the STAI model aims to be replicated in other provinces, also in view of the Milan-Cortina Olympics and Paralympics.
Also present at the press conference for the presentation of Tremosine 4All were Nicola Piccinelli, President of the Executive Committee of BCC Garda; Manuele Martani, Director of Administration, Communication and Secretariat of BCC Garda; Gabriele Seminario, President of Alpe del Garda; Pietro Segalini, President of UNPLI Lombardy; Paola Menegato, International Mountain Leader; Angiolino Goffi, C.A.I. Guide.


Read the full article on:  https://www.gardapost.it/2024/01/25/tremosine-4all-per-un-turismo-accessibile-a-tutti/