- Participants of the Citi Handlowy COVID-19 Relief Challenge have proved that rivarly and emotions provided by sport competitions are as much important as the sense of community and the goal that unites us in those unprecedented times. We took the sports challenge together to extend our support to coronavirus relief efforts. The awareness of all of us being in this together and our joint action bring us closer to the moment where we will be able to safely return to the „new normal” and fully enjoy the benefits of sport activities, said Maciej Kropidłowski, Vice-President of the Management Board of Citi Handlowy.
Citi Handlowy COVID-19 Relief Challenge started with a virtual cycling race. On Sunday, June 14, athletes raced on the first Polish route created for them in Augmented Reality, and well-known from the 5150 Warsaw triathlon competition, which had been initially planned for that day but had to be cancelled due to coronavirus pandemic. The fastest after two rounds of the race proved Michał Zieliński and Paulina Kotfica.
- It was a short yet tough race, Paulina Kotfica said on the finish line. What helped me this time was that I rode side by side together with Konrad Tomasiak and Ola Jędrzejewska, so we cheered on each other. Our living room got all foggy. I have spent a lot of time on the attic over the past few weeks riding a bicycle trainer, so I can say that I was prepared for competing today, the athlete of GVT BMC 3SOFT Triathlon Team summed up.
Participants of the Sunday’s race completed more than 1,260 kilometers in total. Over the next two weeks and more, everybody could join for free the challenge referring to the Olympic distance of the 5150 Warsaw triathlon competition. The participants were challenged to complete the distance of 40 kilometers by bike or to run any route of 10 kilometers. 175 cyclists and 169 runners decided to take on the challenge. They covered a total of as much as 8,700 kilometers. Thus, in the entire Citi Handlowy COVID-19 Relief Challenge, which lasted from June 14 to June 30, athletes completed nearly 10,000 kilometers in support of coronavirus pandemic relief efforts.
Thanks to the cooperation with Citi Handlowy, participation in the challenge was free of charge, however, each competitor could voluntarily make a contribution to COVID-19 response. During the registration process, participants could donate any amount of money to the #SilentHeroes campaign (in Polish: #CisiBohaterowie), run for the benefit of medical services by the Citi Handlowy Foundation. All donated money is doubled by Citi Handlowy. So far, Citi volunteers have prepared and delivered over 8,300 balanced meals for paramedics in Warsaw and Olsztyn. Another objective to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 is to raise funds for the purchase of modern equipment for the diagnosis of coronavirus-infected persons for the RK Emergency Services Support Foundation (Fundacja Wsparcia Ratownictwa RK). Such equipment, to include mobile ultrasound devices, will allow paramedics to more quickly qualify patients suspected of contracting SARS-COV-2 for testing, as well as to examine people who come into their care for reasons not directly related to the coronavirus infection – e.g. as a result of an accident or an emergency.
- From the very beginning, Citi in Poland has strongly engaged in coronavirus relief efforts. We have started with delivering hot meals for medical first responders to extend our support and solidarity with those who stay on the front line in this demanding battle. Silent Heroes, as we call the medical personnel, face the challenges of COVID-19 on a daily basis. While taking care of our safety, they often risk their own and their families’ health. That is why our support is so much important. We have already spent more than 400,000 Polish Zlotys for the pandemic response, said Dorota Szostek-Rustecka, President of the Citi Handlowy Foundation.
At the same time, the fundraising campaign runs on the Planet Heroes platform. Donations can also be paid directly to the Citi Handlowy Foundation’s bank account: 92 1030 1016 0000 0000 0380 6000 (payment title: Donation Silent Heroes).
