Three cyclists have embarked on an extraordinary 1,800-kilometre journey from Valdocco in Turin to Malta, raising funds in aid of Hospice Malta and Friends of Don Bosco Malta.
David Gauci, Roderick “Rokku” Spiteri and Joaquin Rojas set off from Valdocco at 4.00am on Sunday 6 September, beginning an intense seven-day cycling challenge which will see them cover between 250 and 300 kilometres every day as they make their way south through Italy towards Sicily and, ultimately, Malta.
Known as T2M – Torino to Malta: Putting Hope in Motion, the initiative transforms a demanding test of physical endurance into an act of solidarity. The Friends of Don Bosco Malta campaign describes the journey as one in which “every kilometre” represents courage, gratitude and solidarity, with the proceeds supporting Hospice Malta and the work of Friends of Don Bosco Malta with young people.
The challenge is being organised by David Gauci, Treasurer of Friends of Don Bosco Malta, the Maltese association of Past Pupils and Friends of Don Bosco.
A symbolic start from Valdocco
The choice of Valdocco as the starting point gives the challenge particular significance. Before beginning their journey, the team spent Saturday visiting the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians and experiencing the spiritual atmosphere of Valdocco, the place at the heart of Don Bosco’s mission among young people.
The following morning, while Turin was still asleep, the cyclists began their long journey at 4.00am, accompanied by their support team.
Their departure from Valdocco reflects the spirit behind T2M: bringing together friendship, determination, service and solidarity with those in need.
Following in the footsteps – and tyre tracks – of Blessed Alberto Marvelli
One of the particularly meaningful stops along the route will be Rimini, where the team will visit the Salesian community associated with Blessed Alberto Marvelli (1918–1946), a young Salesian past pupil whose life had an extraordinary connection with cycling.
Marvelli grew up in the Salesian Oratory in Rimini, where his spiritual formation developed and where he became deeply involved in working with young people. The Vatican records that during the Second World War he repeatedly used his bicycle to travel through the devastated city, helping the wounded and homeless and carrying food, clothing and other necessities to people in need.
Cycling was also one of his great personal passions. Accounts of his life record journeys of more than 100 kilometres in a single day and cycling trips organised with friends from the Salesian Oratory.
The visit therefore has a special symbolism for the T2M cyclists: more than eight decades later, another group connected with Don Bosco will pass through Rimini on bicycles, this time using their journey to raise funds and awareness for people in need.
Part of a worldwide Salesian family
Friends of Don Bosco Malta forms part of the worldwide movement of Past Pupils and Friends of Don Bosco, which traces its origins to Valdocco in 1870, when a group of Don Bosco’s former students returned to thank him for the education and formation they had received.
Today, the movement is present across the world and is recognised as the largest group within the Salesian Family with over 30 milllion followers. Its members seek to carry the values received through Don Bosco’s educational tradition into their professional, family and social lives, placing their knowledge and abilities at the service of others.
Friends of Don Bosco Malta continues this mission locally through initiatives supporting young people and the wider community. Its work is inspired by the Salesian commitment to helping young people, particularly those who need opportunities, encouragement and support.
Public invited to support the cyclists
As David, Roderick and Joaquin make their way towards Malta over the coming seven days, they are appealing to the Maltese public to get behind their challenge and help turn every kilometre into support for others.
Donations can be made through Revolut on +356 9929 6552.
All proceeds from the T2M Cycling Challenge will support Hospice Malta and Friends of Don Bosco Malta.
The public is also encouraged to follow the cyclists’ journey and share the initiative, helping the message of T2M – Putting Hope in Motion travel even further than the 1,800 kilometres being covered by the team.
