A company that knows of courage and determination that completed this morning by Ruggiero Giglio, 51 years old, originally from Barletta but for some time residing in Milazzo. His dream was one: to live the emotion of the crossing of the Strait of Messina firsthand, the historic proof that unites Sicily to Calabria, from Torre Faro to Villa San Giovanni. And today that desire has become reality.
For Ruggiero, however, the goal takes on an even larger value: he took part in the race in the category reserved for athletes with disabilities. His is a story that affects and moves. At just 19 years old, in fact, a terrible railway accident at the Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto station changed his life forever: overwhelmed by a train directed to Messina, he lost both legs and struggled between life and death.
Since then, the strength of mind and the desire not to surrender have guided every choice. Thanks to a rehabilitation path started in the pool for health reasons, a few years ago she approached swimming, a discipline that she had never practiced before and that in a short time she became a real passion.
By training with the Depagroup team, Giglio found in swimming not only a sporting activity, but a new life dimension. Already last year he had expressed his desire to try his hand at the crossing organized by Sicily Open Water. Today, finally, the dream has materialized: Ruggiero has challenged currents and effort, conquering his personal victory in the Strait of Messina.