Running towards New York - to show it is possible to achieve any objective and shout out that it is possible to overcome drug addiction. It isn’t just a fascinating challenge, but above all, has an important educational content.

All this is “Beyond the finish line” - the new project that San Patrignano rehabilitation community has implemented in collaboration with Dr. Gabriele Rosa’s “Rosa Associati” and supported by the companies Cimberio and Kappa. The aim is to help the “San Patrignano running team” take part in the New York Marathonscheduled to take place on 3rd November 2013.
This is an exciting, but also complex challenge because, having experienced drug addiction and marginalization in the past, many of San Patrignano’s young residents are tackling a sports competition of this level for the first time. The team is made up of about 20 people, but after months of training only around half of them will fly overseas. Training for the race began in February, with the young residents under the expert guidance of Dr. Rosa. “We analysed their fitness level and have designed special training programmes for each of them, so that they reach the competition in New York in peak condition. The training programme also includes 10km and half-marathon races, such as those in Brescia and Milan. We hope this will be just the start of a journey, given the importance of physical activity as part of a correct lifestyle”.

Dr. Rosa was introduced to the community by Letizia Moratti who commented; “I think sport is really important for healthy personal development and it seemed natural to introduce San Patrignano - a reality I’ve always been closely linked to - to an exceptional coach like Gabriele Rosa. Running is a wonderful metaphor for San Patrignano, where the journey requires considerable effort, but also brings great satisfaction in overcoming personal limits and difficulties, thanks also to your team mates who are always ready to support you”.

“Running has always been one of the most popular sports at San Patrignano”, explained Dr. Antonio Boschini, therapeutic manager for the rehabilitation community and the project. “All young residents have a full medical check-up before starting any non-competitive sport, be that running, football, basketball or volleyball. Educational activity and rehabilitation need these disciplines too; they are a key tool for transmitting important life values”.

Thanks to Dr. Rosa, the New York Marathon for San Patrignano will also be about solidarity and fundraising. In fact, the professor has offered the community the 100 marathon bibs allocated to him. With the exception of those for San Patrignano runners, the others will be sold off to private individuals and companies to fund the young residents’ trip and donate to the rehabilitation community’s sports activities.