September 8, 2009

IMD sponsored two teams in the Paddle for Cancer DragonBoat Festival, held last Sunday September 6 in Switzerland. This fundraising event organized by ESCA, the English Speaking Cancer Association, involved the sponsorship of dragon boats and amateur dragon boat paddling teams. See August news item.

Both IMD teams obtained great results in the races with one coming in sixth place overall. Here are comments from a few of IMD's crew members:

“What a fun day, and surprising how you get swept up in the energy and competition element as well. Waiting for the gun to go, bracing your back with your paddle at the ready and then it's 'off'. The main thing is not to look outside the boat but to keep your ears drilled on the beat of the drum and your eyes tuned on the paddler in front of you." - Sarah Hutton, EMBA Program Manager

"I've been involved with the Dragon Boat Festival since its beginning, but I saw something Sunday that I hadn't noticed before. The two IMD teams, though competitors, were also incredibly supportive. When one was preparing to go out, the other team was offering advice. While one group was on the water, the other team was wearing out their vocal chords shouting. As a team came off the lake, their on-shore colleagues were high-fiving and shaking their hands. It was a great day for everyone."
- Jim Pulcrano, Executive Director

“For me, this experience was a coordinated physical effort focused on winning as a team. It was fun, exciting and challenging.” - Boris Mateev, Program Advisor and Market Development Officer

“It was great to see everyone paddling together, John Evans (IMD Customer Experience Manager) on the drum keeping a perfect beat, Solomon Ismael (IMD Program Coordinator) on the back pushing us forward, me splashing everybody behind, and the rest of the IMD team on the shore cheering us on! It was an unforgettable day with our friends, and for a good cause. In 2010, I am sure we will defeat this year’s winners!” - Arturo Bris, Professor of Finance

"What a great day! We had the perfect combination – a good cause, good teamwork, sportsmanship and loads of fun on a beautiful, sunny day. Both IMD teams improved from heat to heat, and made it to the finals! I shall definitely be there again next year!" - Lene Jensen, Information Center Manager

This event offered networking and professional opportunities. Many of IMD’s clients were also participating in the race including top executives from companies such as Tetra Laval, Ernst & Young, Medtronic, KPMG, Pepsi, Roche and Caterpillar.

The experience was fun and competitive, a great opportunity for team-building and all for a worthy charity.