This is certainly THE great new feature of this 17th edition. For the first time in its history, the event is supporting an NGO. For many years, the idea, and above all the desire, has been in the organisation’s mind. But what cause should we support? How to give meaning to our commitment? How can we involve the entire Alpe d’Huez Triathlon community? The Aviation Sans Frontières association is landing in Alpe d’Huez to answer this question and to give the event a new and solidary impulse. In order to get on board this project, discover here the main lines of this partnership, with the intervention of a triathlete like no other: Alexandre Neker, volunteer pilot for Aviation Sans Frontières and participant of the Triathlon L 2023!
Fly further. Fly higher. Convert your stay in Alpe d’Huez into a solidarity experience (and maybe win a long-distance flight for two people)!
How to support Aviation Sans Frontières through the Alpe d'Huez Triathlon?
In 2023, the Alpe d’Huez Triathlon invites you to support the mission of the Accompaniments of Sick Children of Aviation Sans Frontières, through an exceptional draw. From 5€ (price of a ticket), you can help the association (in partnership with other NGOs) to accompany children suffering from serious pathologies to European hospitals to receive the care necessary for their recovery, which is impossible to provide in their own country, due to the lack of suitable structures.
The Alpe d’Huez Triathlon is showing its social commitment through a partnership with the NGO Aviation Sans Frontières, which has been creating air bridges for humanitarian purposes since 1980, all over the world. Alexandre Neker, 28 years old and volunteer pilot for Aviation Sans Frontières, will take part in the Triathlon L wearing the colours of the association.
How did you become a volunteer pilot for Aviation Without Borders?
“Like many aircraft pilots, I have realized a childhood dream. I have been a professional pilot for less than two years. I heard about Aviation Sans Frontières while talking to colleagues. I was immediately interested in the NGO’s missions, both technically and humanely. I thought it would be a great experience to contribute to its actions. I have been a volunteer pilot with Aviation Sans Frontières since January 2023. I carried out a first mission in January in the Central African Republic and I am currently in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Otherwise, I have been a first aider at sporting events for over five years and a lifeguard in the summer.”
What are the missions you carry out for Aviation Sans Frontières?
“One of the missions of the NGO, which is also an airline, is to create air bridges around the world to deliver humanitarian aid to populations in need. Our two turboprop aircraft are hired to transport humanitarian personnel, deliver essential goods and carry out emergency medical evacuations. We provide essential logistical support to hundreds of NGOs and international organisations. Aviation Sans Frontières relies on over 800 volunteers.
In Africa, I often travel to remote areas to provide essential aid. Meeting and comforting people, who are often very poor, is very rewarding, but also very moving. When you have this kind of experience, you see life differently.”
Why did you choose to race the Alpe d'Huez Triathlon under the colours of Aviation Sans Frontières?
“I have always done a lot of sport and I have been doing triathlons for a year. I love challenges and this year I wanted to take on a challenge with a humanitarian dimension. I therefore proposed to Aviation Sans Frontières that we participate in three sporting events in 2023 – the Paris Marathon, the Alpe d’Huez Triathlon and the Barcelona Ironman – by promoting the NGO in order to raise funds or equipment for certain missions. For example, during the Paris Marathon, we collected milk powder for the associations we support, particularly in Madagascar.
In Alpe d’Huez, the aim will be to raise funds for the Accompaniments of Sick Children. Suffering from serious pathologies, these children can benefit from the care necessary for their recovery in European hospitals, due to the lack of suitable structures in their country. The children are accompanied by our volunteers on commercial flights and are thus treated and brought back to their families cured. Some of the children accompanied are in a critical condition and these missions require a great deal of personal commitment and vigilance on the part of the accompanying staff.
In 2022, more than 1,200 little patients were cared for in this way. A big tombola will be organised during the triathlon and there will be an Aviation Sans Frontières stand at the bib withdrawal. Personally, I will contribute to the visibility of the operation and to raising awareness among the general public of the generally unknown role of humanitarian aviation.”
Why did you choose the Alpe d’Huez Triathlon?
“I knew the resort because I used to ski and hike here. I knew the event during my stays, and I really appreciated the landscapes. The triathlon seemed to me to be an interesting challenge, especially the bike part which seems very demanding. I am motivated to face this challenge and I am training to be ready on the day. It’s not easy to follow a training schedule during missions for Aviation Sans Frontières because the infrastructure is often non-existent and we face important security constraints. But I find it stimulating to have to deal with complicated conditions!”
Why to take part in the Aviation Sans Frontières draw?
- Help children with serious illnesses to recover: what better way to express your gratitude and remember how lucky you are to be able to live your passion for sport?
- Add a touch of solidarity to your sportive holiday in Alpe d’Huez, with a clear mission: to finance 10 trips for 10 children!
- Win a return flight for two to the West Indies (drawn on Thursday 27 July, during the event)
- Win a helicopter flight for two (drawn on Thursday 27 July, during the event) to Alpe d’Huez during the M Triathlon