Supervisor Elham AbolFateh
Editor in Chief Mohamed Wadie

Switzerland Embassy Organizes Virtual Run


Mon 30 Nov 2020 | 02:11 PM
NaDa Mustafa

In collaboration with Cairo Runners, the Embassy of Switzerland in Egypt sponsored a virtual run that took place between 20 and 27 November 2020.

The aim of the run was to raise awareness about the current global hardships and contribute to the indispensable efforts exerted by NGOs and CSOs in mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Egypt.

Sport is considered a great vehicle for human and positive values, such as solidarity, social inclusion, a healthy lifestyle, especially in times where healthcare is of paramount importance.

In view of the current situation and in adherence to precautionary and safety measures, the run was held in a virtual manner. It was announced through a digital campaign that enabled those who wished to participate to sign up during the designated week, indicate the day and distance they wish to run, and log off by completing their run.

Runners participated in the race, either inpidually or in a group. Once each inpidual run was completed, the distance they covered was added to a virtual trail that portrays the distance between Switzerland and Egypt which is equivalent to 2974 KM.

The run was successful and managed to garner the interest of over 800 runners who have completed a total distance of 4,000 km, exceeding the set expectations. People from all backgrounds and age brackets participated in different ways, in Egypt and abroad.

“It was thrilling to see so many people take part in the run in these difficult times. The persistence of people to participate in a virtual sports event in order to serve a good cause gives us hope and encourages us to further support our partners to increase their resilience and continue their pivotal work,” Paul Garnier, Ambassador of Switzerland in Egypt said.

All the proceeds of the run will go to Terre Des Hommes (TDH) to provide for their project supporting self-reliant refugees and asylum seekers by offering them food vouchers.

Amidst the pandemic and with the closure of businesses and risks of contagion many refugees lost their jobs for months. The impact of COVID-19 is likely severe as families face increasing and serious obstacles in covering basic needs and accessing adequate services due to their continuing precarious situation, loss of jobs, and lack of access to financial assistance.

"In addition to the economic consequences, the psychosocial impact of the pandemic is also significant as families and children feel stressed, anxious, and worried.” Said Laure Baudin, Country Representative of Terre Des Hommes.

The contribution provided by the Embassy of Switzerland will allow the amelioration of children’s nutrition, and single parents will not be pressured to leave their young ones to go to work.