The Fundación Repsol has delivered wheelchairs, crutches and adapted tricycles to the towns of Erfoud and Hassi Labiad in the south-east of Morocco. This is so that 200 people with severe mobility problems can regain their mobility after their situation was aggravated because of a lack of resources.
The region around Er Rachidia, one of the poorest zones in the country, always looked forward to the arrival and passage of the Rally Dakar, above all because it brought a some materials to the local population, and now that the race has changed continent it is sorely missed. It was precisely the link established between Repsol and the local people in Er Rachidia during the rally that stimulated the company to promote the “Volver a Vivir, Proyecto en África” activities, with the help and involvement of several local bodies.
In this sense, the Fundación Repsol has worked with two basic premises when carrying out this work. On the one hand, it provides the wheelchairs, crutches and adapted tricycles directly to those in need without any intermediaries. And on the other, the aim is to hand over new material that complies with the quality norms so that a long life for the products is guaranteed.
Involvement and support from the Repsol team
The Fundación Repsol joined up with three members of the Repsol team to hand over the material: Laia Sanz, World Trial Champion; Jaime Alguersuari, British Formula 3 Champion; and Jordi Gené, World Tour Car Team Champion.
Nani Roma and Marc Comal, both in Chile competing in the Rally Dakar, know very well the needs of the Er Rachidia region, a place where they regularly train, and the two did not hesitate to join the Fundación`s initiative. The Repsol team members expressed their complete backing for the company`s work and their desire not to forget Africa.
Javier Inclán, director of the Fundación Repsol >> Audio
“When the Dakar was suspended a year ago, those of us at Repsol thought that the African solidarity movement could not end just like that. Today we have realised our hopes in a zone of Morocco where the local population has needs that are not compatible with the XXI century. Today we have shown that the the whole Dakar movement, that is the spirit of solidarity that we had in Africa, is being maintained. That is even though the race this year is in Argentina and Chile, the Fundación Repsol is going to continue supporting Africa and we are going to think that these towns, which depended to a large extent on the Dakar, are always going to have the support of companies that think Social Responsibility is as important for their genetic code as racing itself may be”.
Nani Roma, rider in the Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart team
“This delivery shows that there are people at Repsol who think that we should not forget about Africa. Myself, via the Fundación Nani Roma, continue to do things on that continent. Any help is well-received. Many people think that Repsol and in general, large companies are only there for the business. But there are people here that help others. That is great. I wish there were more companies like Repsol that took aid to Africa. I would like to take this opportunity to say hello to the people of Er Rachidia and the people in Africa. I hope that I can say hello in person very soon”.
Marc Coma, rider in the Repsol KTM team >> Audio
“The Fundación Repsol has had a great idea, to demonstrate that we will not forget about Africa. Above all such a special place like Er Rachidia, well known by us because we train there a lot and because we have a lot of friends there. Anything that means that we can help these people, even though it is just a little bit, is fantastic. The most important thing, the idea in general, is that we do not forget Africa and that we make it very clear that there are people that worry about others. Many people think that companies like Repsol are only interested in money, but they have to realise that it is not always like this, that there are also resources and time to help others. A big hug to the people of Er Rachidia and I hope to be there soon”.
Laia Sanz, World Trial Champion >> Audio
“It was very positive coming here, because after so many years with the Dakar passing this way, the inhabitants depended quite a bit on the aid that came with the rally. If it is difficult to live in Spain with a mobility problem, here in this region of Morocco it is even tougher. Bringing this material to them means that their quality of life will improve a lot”.
Jaime Alguersuari, British Formula 3 champion >> Audio
“I am very impressed and proud because I have not been to Africa very much but this time I travelled to help some people that really need the help provided by the Fundación Repsol. Being here helps you to understand what you have and how to value the life you have. It is like another planet, another world that is close to home but you cannot really imagine how they live. I hope to come back soon and help some more”.
Jordi Gené, World Tour Car Team Champion >> Audio
“I have experienced something very enriching. It is important that people realise that in countries like Morocco we do not only go there to have a good time and to race, but that there are very basic needs that we can help them with. That Repsol promotes activities like this speaks marvels of its philosophy: we do not forget about Africa. It is a good test of what they do because the Fundación is really are eager to collaborate with the local people, they really do value this aid. That a company like Repsol gets involved and wants to help the under-priviliged people of Er Rachidia, precisely when the Dakar does not pass through here, shows that they do it with the best of intentions”.
