Antonella Ligorio Solidarity Charity Bike Ride

A ride to remember and to help

The Antonella Ligorio Solidarity Charity Bike Ride has become a staple of the spring-summer season in San Michele Salentino, a small town in the province of Brindisi, Apulia. The initiative was born from the desire of the family and the local community to remember Antonella Ligorio, described by those who knew her as a strong woman and a loving mother, who passed away too soon. Her memory has inspired an event that grows every year, uniting three simple values: sport, community participation, and solidarity.

How it works

The meeting point is always Piazza Marconi, in the heart of the town. From here, after a blessing from the parish priest, a leisurely, accessible bike ride begins, winding through the town streets and the countryside of the Salento region. This is not a race: the ride is designed for families, children, cycling enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to spend a morning outdoors while sharing a gesture of generosity. Upon returning to the square, the day continues with music and refreshments provided by local businesses.

Solidarity at the heart

Each edition of the bike ride is linked to a local charitable cause. Over the years, the funds raised have been donated to various projects, from the restoration of the parish church to supporting the Oncology department of the Perrino Hospital in Brindisi. Fundraising is not limited to the event itself: in the days leading up to the ride, donation points are set up at local shops, allowing those who cannot participate in the ride to contribute nonetheless.

Organizers

The event is promoted under the patronage of the Municipality of San Michele Salentino, in partnership with the San Michele Arcangelo Parish and the local Avis branch (Francesco Argentieri), with the collaboration of local entities and the direct involvement of the Ligorio family. It is this network of associations, volunteers, and businesses that makes the bike ride an event deeply rooted in the community.

An event for the whole town

The Solidarity Bike Ride is much more than just a bike ride: it is an occasion for San Michele Salentino to come together, cycle as one, and turn a festive morning into concrete help for those in need. It is a model of popular, solidarity-driven sport that brings different generations together in memory of Antonella Ligorio.