Italian professor crosses Saudi Arabia by handcycle

ROME - Professor Matteo Parsani, professor of applied mathematics and computer science at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), is being praised after completing his journey ‘Athar: East to West’ on the 22^nd January 2024. Parsani, originally from Bergamo, travelled over 3000 km from the east coast to the west coast of Saudi Arabia by handcycle.

 Parsani, 42, began his challenge on 17^th December 2023. He passed through ten cities, starting in Dammam and finishing at KAUST. The journey took him 30 days, averaging 150 km of cycling a day. Six years ago, Parsani was victim of a life changing incident which left the bottom half of his body paralysed. After years of rehabilitation, he completed this feat to raise awareness about disabilities and to encourage physical activity. He also aimed to promote accessible tourism throughout Saudi Arabia, with the support from different branches of the Saudi Arabian government and its business partners.

 Speaking after completing his journey, he thanked the generous hospitality of the cities he passed through and said despite it being a difficult journey ‘with support and determination [he] was able to face every challenge.’ President of KAUST, Tony Chan praised Parsani’s achievement, saying it demonstrates ‘the power’ of the human spirit.