For Carlo Gabriele and Emilia Morelli, love and volunteering go hand in hand. Married for 64 years, they have spent the past 27 years dedicating their time to volunteering for sport events and nonprofits in Turin, Italy. From local charities to international sporting competitions, they have always found joy in giving back—together.
Now, they find themselves volunteering once again in Turin, at the Special Olympics World Winter Games—a full-circle moment, as Emilia also volunteered at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in the same city.
After working at the Special Olympics National Games before, they couldn’t wait to be part of the organization again.
“We really enjoy the experience of volunteering at Special Olympics and working with the athletes with intellectual disabilities, since the very first time we were involved with the Movement."
Carlo and Emilia’s love story started on two wheels. It was 1960, and both were cycling through their hometown in Turin, Italy,when they found themselves racing each other—one passing the other, riding through the streets in a playful competition. While cycling, Carlo continued to ask Emilia questions and by the time they finally stopped, it was clear they had met their match. And the rest, is history.
After buidling a life together, including having and raising two kids, their journey as volunteers began in 1992, and since then, they became part of VOLO, an organization that pairs volunteers with organizations and events, becoming a familiar and cherished volunteer couple.
For Carlo and Emilia, volunteering is a shared passion that has been part of their life for more than 2 decades. When asked how long they plan to continue volunteering, their answer is simple: “As long as we can we will keep going. Always together.”
If you are passing by UDAC, look for Carlo and Emilia, you´ll see them volunteering, together.
