Hesperange Run Raises €5.5k for Handicap International

Following the 18th annual "1000 km Hesper" race organised by the Laftreff Hesper committee on 9 July 2017, with financial support from the municipality of Hesperange, a total of €5,500 was raised in aid of Handicap International.

A cheque for that amount was handed over last week to Handicap International in the presence of Marc Lies, Mayor of Hesperange, other memers of the town council, and officials of the committee of Laftreff Hesper.

643 participants took part in the event held in Hesperange Park and together travelled 6,614 kilometers. The athletes participating thus raised €5,500 to support the humanitarian demining projects that Handicap International is leading.

Claude Briade, Director of Communication and Marketing of Handicap International, recalled the origin of the association in the refugee camps in Thailand with Cambodians, victims of anti-personnel mines, left by the Khmer Rouge regime along the border to avoid the exodus of the population. He explained that Handicap International has developed demining and clean-up activities following numerous conflicts around the world. Today, Handicap International (with 172 deminers) is working in 15 countries to make land clean for local people. In 2016, 173,000 m² was cleared, equivalent to 24 football fields. But the task remains immense. The race of the "Laftreff Hesper" contributes to this challenge since the money collected will allow to clear 5,500m². When sport and generosity come together, lives are saved.

The next edition of the "1000 km Hesper" will take place on Sunday 8 July 2018.