Communications

San Patrignano, 21st - 24th July 2005

You do not need to be an expert at metaphors to realise that an obstacle race in a drug rehabilitation centre can take on strong symbolic connotations.

However, the unusual choice of the San Patrignano Community as the home for the 28th European Jumping Championship, a major event for horse riding enthusiasts, has other solid foundations.

The equestrian facility at the San Patrignano Centre has been in operation since the early 1980's, and has developed and grown alongside the community.  However, it has retained its original purpose, which was to be a place for integrating and supporting the recovery and social rehabilitation of drug-dependent people. The link between man and horse has been an exceptionally important tool for helping people overcome the relationship difficulties typical of drug addition and marginalisation. 

Therapy and sport began to overlap, and the San Patrignano Jumping Team has achieved excellent results at competition events worldwide, with victories at the Olympic Games, the World Championships and many international show jumping events.

On the occasion of the European Championship, which ran from 21 to 24 July, the San Patrignano facility was extended to hold up to five thousand spectators, while all the jumps on the course were built by guests at the centre. 

Finmeccanica was pleased to take part in the event with an exhibition stand. Their presence was a clear gesture of solidarity towards one of the most well-known and important rehabilitation centres for people whose paths have crossed the painful roads of drug dependency.