Even before the starting whistle blew, a lively atmosphere accompanied all 90 minutes of the nineteenth “Partita del Cuore” (Game of the Heart) held at Modena’s Braglia Stadium, as the red heart of Ferrari paid tribute to the warmth with which so many people supported the Telethon fund raising initiative. For the past twenty years, this foundation has worked to finance research into muscular dystrophy and other genetic illnesses, under the presidency of Luca di Montezemolo. 120,000 spectators filled the Modena Stadium for an evening of sport and solidarity to watch the Nazionale Cantanti (National Singers) team, captained by Eros Ramazzotti play the newly formed Telethon Team, supported by Ferrari, alongside stars from the world of show business and sport. Three of the Scuderia’s Formula 1 drivers took part: Fernando Alonso, Giancarlo Fisichella and Felipe Massa.
Showing just how important is the Maranello company’s support of the Telethon Foundation, the event was attended not only by President Luca di Montezemolo, but also by team principal Stefano Domenicali, in the role of technical director, assisting the trainer Claudio Ranieri, as well as Ferrari vice-president, Piero Ferrari and a good number of other representatives of the Prancing Horse.
At the final whistle, it was the Telethon Team that won, 12 – 11, although the real winner on the night was the extraordinary generosity of the people of Modena, who packed the grandstands, as well as so many other Italians who watched the game live on TV. Thanks to them and to donations sent by phone text, Telethon reached a total figure of over a million Euros. And those donations are still on-going today, as the 45503 number is still up and running ready to take more text message donations.
Part of the donation will go to the Fondazione Parco of Mistica Onlus, set up to create a sports facility through Legalita e Solidarieta, a centre to promote culture and at the same time operate as a centre for retraining and recuperation on the 33 hectare site “Tenuta della Mistica” close to the Rome ring road.
Source: Ferrari.com
