Salerno, Fitwalking for AIL: Polla walks for research too

Asd Podistica Pollese, a sports association in the Vallo di Diano region and organizer of the Strapollese—"the 10 km race spanning 20 centuries of history"—renews its commitment to solidarity, this time choosing to do so through Fitwalking: a satellite sector that has established its own identity within the club, led with enthusiasm and motivation by Ida Isoldi, FIDAL Campania Regional Representative for the discipline.

As part of the major national initiative promoted by AIL (Italian Association against Leukemia, Lymphoma, and Myeloma), now in its ninth year and scheduled for Sunday, September 28th, Fitwalking Polla enthusiastically participated, organizing its own stop on Saturday, September 27th along the streets of the village. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the walking group, supported by the valuable contributions of all the members of ASD Podistica Pollese, this town in the Vallo di Diano was one of 38 Italian communities involved. Participants spent hours outdoors dedicated to solidarity, exercise, and well-being, with an initial fitness warm-up followed by the solidarity walk, promoting a healthy lifestyle as a source of inspiration and attentiveness to the needs of others.

The Polla demonstration kicked off in the early afternoon. Those registered—including those arriving at the last minute, about 250 in total—gathered in Piazza Monsignor Antonio Forte, a welcome point where kits containing the blue T-shirt with the special logo were distributed. Wearing them, the swarm of participants colored the route and cast a light on the sky, almost as if to symbolize—by evoking it—the hope of a better future for those facing these serious diseases.

The solidarity walk was preceded by a welcome address from Polla's Mayor, Massimo Loviso, who expressed his satisfaction and gratitude for the tremendous organizational work carried out by ASD Podistica Pollese: first with the historic 10K race and then with the day's event dedicated to AIL, organized by the Fitwalking division. Addressing those present, the Mayor stated: "Today is an intense and significant moment, an opportunity to raise awareness through which Polla supports leukemia research, but also stands with all associations dedicated to research, precisely to walk together and address these challenges that affect all humanity."

Dr. Serena Luponio, from the Hematology Department of the San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona Hospital in Salerno, also attended the official greetings. She emphasized the important role played by AIL and the fundamental role of the practical support the association offers to hematology patients and their families.

After the official greetings, the atmosphere became more festive and inclusive, thanks in part to the presence of the event's mascot: a friendly caterpillar whose playful and captivating appearance captivated families and children in particular. In a bright green color, he wandered among the audience, moving his lithe body, well supported—one at the head and one at the tail—by two members of Fitwalking Polla. His smiling face won over even the most timid of attendees.

But to ensure that the spirit and scope of this first edition of Fitwalking for AIL in Polla were fully understood, we couldn't help but gather impressions, reflections, and the meaning of the day directly from the person who made the stage possible: Ida Isoldi , whom we met at the end of the event.

• How did the idea of ​​moving the solidarity walk in Polla forward from the national date of September 28 come about?

This is n't actually a preview : Fitwalking for AIL could have been held on either Saturday, September 27th or Sunday, September 28th, and other cities also opted for Saturday. Since we already had other long-scheduled sporting events on Sunday, September 28th, we chose Saturday afternoon. It proved to be a winning choice: in our context, participation was higher than other initiatives held on Sunday morning. We can confidently say it was a sound decision.

• What were the main steps in organizing the event and which local organizations collaborated?

The organization was intense but exciting: from logistics to the involvement of the associations, every step was carefully managed . We worked in synergy with the Lilium Association, the Italian Red Cross – Polla office, the AIL Salerno , and with the patronage of the Municipality. The support of the police, volunteers, and the Polla running club was also essential.

• What kind of response did the Polla community give? Did it exceed expectations?

Yes. We exceeded our expected attendance: more than 250 people attended.
The response was extraordinary, not only from the Polla community, but from the entire Vallo di Diano. There was a massive turnout from Sala Consilina, Sant'Arsenio, but also from Padula, Montesano, Casalbuono, Atena Lucana, Teggiano, and San Rufo. And it doesn't end there: we also had participants from Salerno, Rome, and  from Castellammare di Stabia, who chose us and our event to experience this day of sport and solidarity. The official kits ran out at some point, but We at Podistica Pollese didn't stop: we still wanted to thank the participants by distributing donated T-shirts on the occasion of   Strapollese   laid down by the   family   of   Dr.   Carrazza, who passed away a year ago and was already a member of our team.   connection beautiful: exactly the same color as the AIL shirts! An almost symbolic sign, which allowed us to satisfy even those who were unable to secure the kit Journal.

• What was the most significant moment you experienced during the walk, or before it started?

The moment of departure will certainly remain etched in our memories: the crowded square, the smiles, the handshakes, the presence of so many families... there was a collective energy that overwhelmed us and filled us with gratitude. But the most moving moment of all were the touching testimonies of patients and families. Some of them had the courage and generosity to share intimate and personal moments with us , which touched us all deeply. For this, I thank them from the bottom of my heart: it is not at all a given, and it was a precious gift for all of us. A special thanks also goes to Dr. Serena Luponio, hematologist at the Ruggi d'Aragona Hospital in Salerno, for her clear, humane, and heartfelt contribution.

• What did it mean for you, as ASD Podistica Pollese, to link sport to solidarity even in  this occasion?

For us it is a founding value . Sport is a powerful means of uniting,

Raise awareness, network. Combining Fitwalking with the AIL cause has given our work a profound meaning: every step has been a gesture of solidarity.

• As the person responsible for Fitwalking for the ASD Podistica Pollese, can you tell us about it?   and   way   this   disciplined,   through   il   your   I commit,   si   is establishing itself as a driving force for well-being and aggregation for the community of Polla and the surrounding area?

Fitwalking is much more than just "walking well": it's a lifestyle, a healthy and mindful way of taking care of yourself. In Polla and the surrounding towns , we're building a true community, where every outing is an opportunity for physical well-being , but also for dialogue , sharing , and friendship. We offer regular training sessions and basic walking courses, and our group is increasingly close-knit. I discovered fitwalking in 2017, and since then , it has become a fundamental part of my life. This year, I've also had the honor of being the FIDAL Campania regional representative for Fitwalking: a recognition

important, which stimulates us to always do better and to spread this discipline throughout the territory, carrying forward its fundamental values.

• What did this first edition of Fitwalking for AIL in Polla leave in your heart?

It was a collective embrace that moved us and confirmed that we were going in the right direction.

And this final statement from Ida Isoldi captures the profound meaning of an afternoon spent walking in solidarity, conveying closeness and expressing commitment. Walking together helps us face the greatest challenges, as Mayor Massimo Loviso also emphasized. Polla demonstrated his ability to do so with enthusiasm and awareness, looking to the future.