Onco-Hematology Vela Therapy Marks 20 Years of AIL’s Progetto Itaca in Salò

The onco-hematology “sailing therapy” initiative Progetto Itaca AIL marked its 20th edition in Salò on Friday, celebrating 20 years since it began in 2007 in Brescia within the Oncology and Hematology Units of Spedali Civili, with local AIL support and backing from sailing clubs on Lake Garda. About 50 patients, doctors, volunteers and skippers took to the water in the Gulf of Salò, hosted by the Società Canottieri Garda, in what is the only Itaca event held at night.

Born on Lake Garda, Progetto Itaca has since expanded into a national programme, reaching other Italian lakes and the sea through the “Sognando Itaca” campaign. For the second year in a row, it is supported by Italy’s Ministry for Disabilities and carried out in collaboration with the Italian Navy, with the joint route visiting multiple naval bases before ending in October in Trieste during Barcolana, including a visit on board the training ship Amerigo Vespucci. Sailing therapy activities will continue across sailing clubs nationwide until September.
Italian Version