Sport and inclusion: a special day at Mugello with the Heal Foundation and Honda LCR.
We report the interview from journalist Marcello Lardo to the founder of the Heal Foundation, Simone De Biase, published in the 9colonne press agency:
At Mugello, during the final round of the MotoGP, the spirit of sport intertwined with the courage and determination of two special young men, Marco and Alessandro, and with that of the Heal Foundation, a long-standing advocate for the fight against pediatric brain tumors and other complex diseases. The Foundation offered the two young men an extraordinary opportunity: to experience a MotoGP race in the paddock of the Honda LCR team led by former rider Lucio Cecchinello.
Simone De Biase, founder of Heal, was passionate about this initiative. His mission was clear: to demonstrate that sport can be a vehicle for inclusion and rehabilitation. "We wanted to give Marco and Alessandro an extraordinary day, where they could feel part of something bigger, overcoming their difficulties and discovering new passions," says an emotional De Biase. "The MotoGP race at Mugello was the perfect opportunity to demonstrate that sport is inclusion and can help these kids overcome their challenges."
During the event at Mugello, Marco, an 8-year-old with a complex genetic disorder, and Alessandro, a 12-year-old who fought a brain tumor involving the optic nerve with determination, had the opportunity to experience the world of racing in a unique and extraordinary way. With the invaluable support of Simone, the two boys were welcomed and embraced in the Honda team paddock by Media Manager Fabio Alberti, by Elisa Pavan, an extremely kind and sensitive figure, and by the entire team staff. It was there, just a few meters from the track and in the garages where the bikes are prepared, that they were able to experience the adrenaline of practice and observe the riders up close as they prepared for the race.
De Biase's words, sharing the enthusiasm and emotion that permeated that day, were intense and moving. "Seeing the sparkle in Marco and Alessandro's eyes was an indescribable experience," he confessed. "That event showed us that nothing is impossible when you have the will to fight and overcome adversity. Sport is a powerful vehicle, and we are proud to be able to offer them this opportunity. I can't express in words the gratitude we feel towards the Honda LCR team, who immediately embraced our cause."
Young Marco spread a contagious enthusiasm to everyone lucky enough to share his day. "I never imagined we'd be able to enter the garage and see the riders so closely," De Biase continues. "We truly felt part of that team. Watching their work, we all understood that with determination and commitment, even the most difficult challenges can be overcome."
The days spent on the track were full of emotions and surprises, far exceeding the Heal Foundation's expectations. The Honda LCR team gave the boys an extraordinary welcome, offering them first-class treatment. Marco and Alessandro (along with their families) had the opportunity to have lunch with the riders and become friends with two champions, Alex Rins and Takaaki Nakagami. "We felt a sense of belonging and human warmth that deeply moved us," De Biase confides. "We are grateful to the team for their hospitality and for making this day unforgettable for Marco and Alessandro."
The president of the Heal Foundation strongly reiterates the importance of continuing to offer these special experiences. "We want to demonstrate that every child, regardless of their challenges, has the right to experience moments of joy and inclusion," he emphasizes with determination. "The Heal Foundation will continue to work tirelessly to create further unique opportunities that can help children overcome their challenges, precisely through sport. This is the heart of our Look Beyond project, which we are carrying forward with the Gemelli Foundation."
The Mugello experience demonstrated that sport is much more than a competition. It's a powerful tool for inclusion, rehabilitation, and inspiration. Thanks to the Heal Foundation and Honda LCR, Marco and Alessandro felt part of a great team, experiencing unforgettable days. It was a lesson in tenacity and teamwork that can be experienced on the track, on a sports field, in a hospital ward, or within a family that, together, overcomes every obstacle and continues its journey with courage and hope.
