Europ Assistance sponsors team to run the Paris Marathon

Christelle Colman, CEO of Europ Assistance.

Blake Dyason- - Lucy Lightfoot- Gabbi Brodani Rego-Carel Nolte -Christelle Colman - Wynand Snyman - Simon Colman.

Europ Assistance (EA) proudly sponsored a group of 23 colleagues and friends from South Africa and France to run the 2017 Paris Marathon in April. This sponsorship was initiated by the EA team in order to create an opportunity for clients and key stakeholders from the South African insurance industry to experience an amazing adventure, all in aid of the South African Organ Donor Foundation.

This is according to Christelle Colman, CEO of Europ Assistance South Africa (EASA), who says that all 23 runners completed the marathon and the team managed to raise over R70 000 for the Organ Donor Foundation through this initiative, well exceeding the fundraising target.

EA decided to sponsor the team as the South African firm operates very closely with the French firm in many aspects and participating in a French owned event felt quite natural, says Colman. “The Paris Marathon resonated throughout the global firm with many colleagues from offices across the world offering messages of support and encouragement to the EA runners. It was very positive to see the connection between the different EA offices and departments.”

“Something as challenging and big as running a marathon requires lots of hours spent on training and planning. Through all the hours, we managed to build a great connection between all the different stakeholders involved in the initiative. It was also wonderful to be able to enjoy this whole experience in aid of a charity and I’m very happy with the amount we raised for the Organ Donor Foundation,” says Colman.

Participant and first time marathon runner, Wynand Strydom, Chief Financial Officer of EASA, said the challenge was tougher mentally than physically. “However, the reward of running onto Avenue Foch in Paris made all the efforts feel like a distant memory. What can be better than running through one of the most beautiful cities in the world, cheered on by thousands of supporters?”

French colleague Samir Lahlou, Group Chief Financial Officer at Europ Assistance Global, said there was a great team spirit and collaboration among the EA runners and it was a wonderful opportunity to be able to represent EA and literally go the extra mile. “The experience resonates well with what EA stands for – we go the extra mile to help our clients in need 24/7. This transpired in the EA running team’s willingness to go the extra mile and complete the physical challenge that is the Paris Marathon.”

Colman stated that members from CN&CO - Carel Nolte, Gabbi Brodani Rego, Blake Dyason and Rob Christian - also joined in on the adventure to run with the Europ Assistance team.

Blake Dyason from CN&CO said that the Paris Marathon was his first big city marathon. “The team from Europ Assistance convinced us to join them and run for the Organ Donor Foundation of South Africa. As this is a cause that is very close to my heart after I supported Jenna Lowe and her family, when she needed a lung transplant and selflessly started a campaign to encourage people to become organ donors. On the day of the race, sitting on the ground at the start with some very inspiring people and enjoying the excitement of the 50 000 runners around me was definitely one of the highlights for me. I really enjoyed bumping into fellow South Africans, most of whom work within the financial services industry – this is truly an amazing industry.”

Carle Nolte from CN&CO explained, “I love Paris, long-distance running, being a South African abroad and I also love supporting a good cause. The Paris Marathon brought all of these things together for me. Thanks to Europ Assistance and the great CN&CO team for making this marathon an extraordinary special event.”

“The marathon was a pure test of determination, but also a once in a lifetime experience,” concludes Colman.