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18 Jul 2019 - 09:30Press Releases

Ferrari chairman John Elkann remembers Sergio Marchionne, who contributed to building the institution

Maranello, 18 July 2019 - This morning, the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella visited the Romolo Capranica school complex in Amatrice, which was constructed in the wake of the earthquake that struck the town in 2016. Many representatives from the other institutions involved in reconstructing and regenerating the area were also present.

Ferrari chairman John Elkann also took part in the visit, demonstrating the company's sense of affinity with the region affected by the quake as evidenced by the contribution made towards the construction of the new school; here, Elkann met with the directors, teachers and students who have already started using the structure. In 2016, a few months after the earthquake that decimated central Italy, Ferrari placed a unique LaFerrari specimen under the hammer at the World Finals in Daytona: the proceeds of this charity auction, which amounted to around 6.5 million euros, were instrumental to the completion of the school complex project.

"We wanted the support we provided for the construction of this school to serve as a tangible sign of our dedication to Amatrice, and of our affection for the families in the area," declared John Elkann. "We believe deeply in the value of education; it is a fundamental element of Ferrari's social commitment: contributing to the creation of a safe, modern school complex was the most concrete way for us to help this community rebuild its future with a sense of calm and serenity, and represents a powerful symbol of support for the entire country.

In the aftermath of the earthquake, Sergio Marchionne immediately wanted to do something to contribute to the reconstruction of the area." Elkann concludes: "A year after his death, today represents the perfect opportunity to remember his human qualities and his sensitivity."

To commemorate the donation made by Ferrari, the Headmaster of the school complex Luca Barbonetti proposed naming the institution in memory of Sergio Marchionne, who died on 25 July 2018.