In a heartwarming tale of determination and familial love, Italian rower Luca Chiumento is in Paris, readying himself for the quadruple sculls event at the Olympic Games. Meanwhile, his father, Enzo Chiumento, arrived from Italy by bicycle on Thursday, having pedaled across Europe to raise money for charity.
Enzo's remarkable journey was part of a group effort, with 23 riders averaging 120 kilometers per day as they crossed the challenging terrains of the Alps, Austria, Switzerland, and France. After 12 days of relentless cycling, the group reached the French capital just in time for the Games' opening ceremony on Friday.
"It was a great feeling. We arrived, we hugged each other. Someone shed tears. It was a touching moment," Enzo Chiumento shared with Reuters, capturing the emotional reunion with his son and the collective joy of the group.
Each participant had a personal motivation for undertaking the arduous journey. For one member, it was the heartfelt reason of having a son admitted to the paediatric hospital they were supporting. The charity, "Città della Speranza" (City of Hope), is a foundation based in Padova, Italy. Established 30 years ago, it has built and continues to support a paediatric haematology hospital in the city. Enzo was among the eight riders who saw the journey through to the end.
"It was a great experience. It was a great friendship. We didn't know each other before. It was organized spontaneously. Those who thought they could do it came to us," Enzo recounted, emphasizing the camaraderie and spontaneous spirit that fueled their mission.
The timing of their arrival was symbolic and serendipitous. "The Olympic Games was the right occasion. My son will compete in the quadruple sculls. We accompanied our athletes all the way to Paris," Enzo noted, reflecting on the dual purpose of their expedition: to support the athletes and to fundraise for the City of Hope.
With their goal achieved, Enzo is now able to focus fully on supporting his son Luca, who has already shown promise by winning gold in the quadruple sculls at the 2022 European Championships. The Italian quadruple team, buoyed by such robust support, won their heat, setting a positive tone for the upcoming competitions.
This inspiring journey of Enzo Chiumento and his fellow riders not only underscores the power of community and the strength of familial bonds but also highlights the noble cause of supporting medical care for children. Their epic ride to Paris stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of hope and the extraordinary lengths people will go to for the ones they love.