Repsol

Continuing the humanitarian aid begun with the Dakar Rally

The Repsol Foundation delivers equipment to Morocco to help 200 disabled people

Press Release

12 January 2009 12:22 CET

In Erfoud and Hassi, Morocco, the Repsol Foundation has donated wheelchairs, crutches and tricycles adapted for the severely disabled so that 200 people can regain mobility deprived them until now by a lack or resources.

For the Er Rachidia region, one of the poorest in Morocco, the Dakar Rally was always an eagerly awaited event because it brought benefits which the population has ceased to receive due to the event’s cancellation. The bond formed between Repsol and the population of Er Rachidia prompted the company to promote a project called “Return to life, Project in Africa” in cooperation with local entities.

The Repsol foundation worked on two basic premises: Firstly, that the material was given directly to the people who need it, cutting out any intermediaries. Secondly, the material had to be new and of a high quality to ensure a long working life.

Participation and support from Repsol’s drivers and riders

With the Repsol Foundation at the delivery were three of Repsol’s drivers and riders, Laia Sanz, Trial World Champion; Jaime Alguersuari, Formula 3 Champion and Jordi Gene, World Touring Car Teams Champion.

From Chile, where the Dakar Rally is currently underway, Nani Roma and Marc Coma, who know well the needs of Er Rachidia from training there, were quick to join the foundation’s initiative. The riders have backed the campaign’s aim of not forgetting Africa.

QUOTES:

Javier Inclán, Repsol Foundation Director

“When the Dakar was called off a year ago, at Repsol we thought that the humanitarian initiatives should continue. Today we have achieved that in an area where the population has needs that should be addressed in the 21st century. With this we show that the spirit of solidarity that accompanied the Dakar Rally in Africa is alive, and even if the race this year takes place in Argentina and Chile, at the Repsol Foundation we will continue to support Africa.”

Nani Roma, Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart driver

“This initiative shows that there are people at Repsol who think that Africa should not be forgotten. I also continue to work in the continent through my Nani Roma foundation and all the help we can get is great. Many people believe that Repsol and other big companies are only there for the business, but there are people in this company that help others, and that’s great.”

Marc Coma, Repsol KTM rider

““The Repsol foundation has had a great idea in showing that we don’t forget Africa. Especially in a place like Er Rachidia, which we know well from training there. Anything we can do to help is fantastic”.

Laia Sanz, Trial World Champion

“It has been great to come here, because after so many years of the Dakar Rally, the people here had come to depend on the aid that came with the Rally. If it is difficult to cope with disability in Spain, here in Morocco it’s much harder, and this equipment can dramatically improve their quality of life.”

Jaime Alguersuari, British Formula 3 Champion

“I’m very impressed and proud because I’d not been in Africa very much and this time I’m here to help people who really need a helping hand from the Repsol Foundation. Being here helps you appreciate what you have and to value your life. It’s another planet, another world that is so close to home and yet you can’t imagine how the people live. I hope to come back soon and do more.”

Jordi Gené, World Touring Car Teams Champion

“It has been a very enriching experience. It’s important that people realize that we don’t only come to these places to compete and have a good time, but that there are basic needs here which we can help fulfil. That Repsol is promoting this type of initiative speaks well of its aim that we don’t forget Africa. It’s a good sign that they are doing this because they really want to help the people here. That Repsol does this when the rally isn’t even here speaks well of the company’s intentions.”