Luca Chiumento, an Italian rower, is currently in Paris preparing to compete in the quadruple sculls event at the Olympic Games. His father, who arrived by bike from Italy on Thursday and raised money for charity, has also been training.

After 12 days, a group of 23 cyclists arrived in Paris, France where the opening ceremony of the Games will take place on Friday.

It was an amazing feeling. We hugged one another when we arrived. Someone shed tears. Enzo Chiumento told Luca that it was a very touching moment.

"There was a lot going on." Each person had a reason for coming. One of our members' sons was admitted into a paediatric hospital."

"Citta della Speranza", City of Hope is a Padova-based foundation that began in 1985. It has built and supported a paediatric hospital for haematology. Enzo was among eight riders to complete the journey.

"It was an amazing experience." It was an amazing friendship. We had never met before. The event was spontaneously organised. "Those who thought that they could do it, came to us," Enzo explained.

"And here we are." "The Olympics were the perfect occasion. My son will be competing in the quadruple-sculls. Our athletes were accompanied all the way from Paris.

The goal of raising funds for the City of Hope is one of two main reasons.

Enzo now has the opportunity to support his son in the quadruple sculls, which begins on Saturday. Luca won the gold medal at the 2022 European Championships.