Sylvia M. Oberti
5906 Almaden Lane
Oakland, CA 94611-2334
Italy: 011 39 347 9621205
USA: (510) 339-3948
smoberti@pilotessa.com
www.pilotessa.com
Honors/Awards/Honorary Appointments:
Women’s Hall of Fame, Sports and Athletics – Outstanding Woman of the Year 1996
Judge, Contra Costa County Women’s Hall of Fame 1998
First and only woman to solo and successfully complete Mille Miglia in 74 year history
Board Member, Alameda County Health Care Foundation 1997-98
Advisory Board Member, Special Olympics Northern California 1998
Special Recognition from Rafer Johnson, Special Olympics California
Community Service Award, Ferrari Club of America 1992
California Legislative Fundraising Chair for Association of Rehabilitation Professionals 1991-92
Board Member, Pacific Basin School of Textile Arts 1982-96
Special Projects: Race Cars and Fundraising:
(Press coverage – over 200 articles, television, videos and radio interviews in 20 countries)
1999-2001 "2000 Names for Y2K"
Sylvia continues to raise awareness of early detection and treatment of cancer can save lives with her continued racing in the Mille Miglia, Milas Sport Argentina and Le Mitiche Sport a Bassano. The red driving suit with names from around the world recognize each person’s bravery in "going the distance" with Sylvia as the pilot in a symbolic gesture to the truly courageous people of our times. Ospedale Civile of Brescia will be the recipient of Sylvia’s efforts in the May 2001 Mille Miglia. In June 2000 Sylvia introduced the idea of sharing with the community while racing in Le Mitche Sport a Bassano. Money was raised over three days and the recipient of a much needed air conditioning system was the local Multiple Sclerosis facility. The race organizers are planning to include a charitable contribution annually to a local foundation.
1998 – "1000 Names for 1000 Miles"
Conceived of idea and was successful in combining cancer education and fundraising on international level with the dedication of race participation in the 1998 Mille Miglia in Italy and Japan, obtaining over 1,250 names written on red driving suit to honor "truly brave individuals in the world who have fought cancer." While raising the awareness of people from over 27 countries of the importance of early detection of cancer can save lives, Sylvia placed 4th of the USA and was the only solo driver, male or female, of the 370 cars in May 1998. On October 18th Sylvia and Erina Fukui, a 20 year old car engineering student, were the only female entrants driving a 1947 SIATA Tipo TC in La Festa Mille Miglia in Japan. Sylvia orchestrated a visit to Ibaragi Children’s Hospital for cancer patients during the race. Children awaited Sylvia’s visit while standing curbside with their portable IV poles. Each child sat in the tiny racecar and received a Hunting World cap. Smiles lit up the night! All of the children’s names were added to Sylvia’s driving suit to honor their bravery. Hunting World, Inc. USA sponsored Sylvia’s participation in La Festa Mille Miglia.
1996-1997 Dedicated participation in Mille Miglia, Tour de France Auto, Le Mitiche Sport a Bassano– to the "Women of Real Courage – those women fighting cancer"
Conceived of idea to ask Pope John Paul II for assistance in educating the most people at one time: the message that early detection and treatment will save lives. Sylvia was invited by the Vatican to meet with the Pope and Pope John Paul II gave a blessing to women and families who have fought cancer to 80,000 people. A personal interview with Sylvia on Vatican Radio reached 80 countries in 43 languages. SIATA was blessed at the Vatican and Sylvia received world press for single-handed effort to race Mille Miglia while celebrating the courage and bravery of people fighting cancer around the world. American Express sponsored Sylvia in 1996.
1992-1995 "Let me win, but if I cannot win let me be brave in the attempt"
Conceived of and implemented international education for Special Olympics International by racing in Mille Miglia and becoming the first woman to solo and finish Mille Miglia in 1992, place 3rd of USA in 1993, and successfully raised money for SOI to support the athletic training programs of special needs individuals in Italy and the United States.
