Created in 1997 by Jean-Jacques REY, the 4L Trophy has become Europe's largest humanitarian rally. This year, the event will be celebrating its 25th anniversary and will leave from Biarritz (France) for Marrakech (Morocco) via Spain. Bansard International is proud to participate in this adventure, by sponsoring the crew of the Pingoins du Désert.
In 1997, only 3 crews took to the road for the first rally. Today, it is the biggest sporting and solidarity event in Europe, as it brings together each year more than 1,500 teams in pairs, from all the countries of the European continent, all aged between 18 and 28 years old... on board the mythical Renault 4L car. The aim of this project is to finance projects to help the most destitute in Morocco, represented by the association "Les Enfants du Désert".
THE WAY
All on the starting line in Biarritz in the south of France, the 4Ls will cross Spain to embark on a ship in Algeciras to cross the Strait of Gibraltar, and then will have to continue their journey through the Moroccan desert to reach the finishing line in the famous city of Marrakech, where the prize-giving ceremony will take place at the end of the journey.
More than just a journey, it is a life experience, along a 6,000 kilometre journey over 10 days.
A SOLIDARITY RALLY
Support for schooling in the southern Moroccan region and action in favour of the French Red Cross are the two solidarity hats that the Trophists proudly wear when participating in the 4L Trophy.
It is with the "Enfants du désert" association, created in 2005 and chaired by Lætitia Chevalier, that they express their solidarity with their host during the rally. The action is carried out directly in the most remote areas in partnership with some twenty local structures.
The main objective is clear: access to education for all children.
The initial project includes the delivery of material donations as well as financial donations: offering a schoolbag is good, building a school is even better! The Trophists do both and add a multitude of other contributions, starting with the thousands of objects transported in the packed trunks of the 4Ls (school supplies, medical and computer equipment, sports equipment, clothing, toys, etc.): it weighs some 30 tonnes each year and benefits nearly 20,000 children in the Province of Errachidia on average each year.
Also, the construction of primary schools (already 30 in number), day-care centres, classrooms, facilities for disabled children, sanitary blocks, wells, etc.
THE TEAM & THE CAR
"Les Pingouins du Désert" are two ISTELI students in the Master's programme Transport, Logistics and International Trade.
Quentin, the pilot, describes himself as bold, respectful, responsible and rational. His co-pilot, Lily-Rose, is adventurous, ambitious, dynamic and resourceful. Lily-Rose had the opportunity to work for Bansard International during internships in our offices in Le Havre and Barcelona.
Their car is a classic and mythical 4L GTL Clan from 1989 which has been decorated for the occasion.
Congratulations to both of you for having reached the end of this beautiful adventure, both sporting and supportive!
PORTFOLIO
