by Nina Vaclavikova
Interviews: Massimo Tognolli, councillor for social policies; Caterina De Gavardo, Trieste councilor for safety policies
The second edition of “Illuminare quella briciola – Una spinta non basta” (“Shedding Light on a Crumb – One Push Is Not Enough”), an initiative designed to raise awareness about mobility challenges faced by people who use wheelchairs, will take place this Saturday morning in Via Diaz, near the Revoltella Museum.
The event is organized by the provincial branch of ACLI and US ACLI, with the support of the City of Trieste and the Giuliano Isontina University Health Authority. At a press conference on Friday, city officials emphasized the importance of promoting road safety, accessibility, and inclusion.
Caterina de Gavardo, Trieste’s councillor for security, said the city administration and local police remain “particularly attentive to the issue of safety and road education.” She noted that officers will be present during the event to regulate traffic and that the day will also feature talks by experts who provide road safety education in schools.
Massimo Tognolli, councillor for social policies, recalled that last year’s inaugural edition drew 61 participants. He stressed that the event is meant to address barriers—sometimes as small as a crumb—that can become major obstacles for those in wheelchairs. “We must all put our strength together to build something positive,” he said.
Organizers explained that the initiative consists of a symbolic wheelchair “race” for able-bodied participants. The goal is to allow people to experience firsthand the daily difficulties faced by those with mobility impairments when navigating urban spaces. The course, which will include minor obstacles, will run from Via Diaz through Via San Giorgio and into the gardens of Piazza Hortis.
“This is about sensitizing the community,” said Manuel Zerjul, president of the provincial ACLI. He highlighted how small actions, such as parking near a lowered pedestrian crossing, can create significant difficulties. Volunteers, including staff from the local health authority, will provide wheelchairs for the event.
Luca Gherbaz, president of the Trieste branch of US ACLI, participated in last year’s edition and described the effort required to push a wheelchair through city streets. He said the sports association’s role is to bring a “playful and sporting spirit” to the event without diminishing its value as an exercise in empathy and awareness.
Participation is free and open to all, either individually or in pairs. In case of rain, the event will be rescheduled for September 27.
