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Global sporting stars have come together alongside Allwyn, a leading multi-national lottery operator, to shine a light on the role of sport in building a better world. Colin Jackson, former GB Olympian and world record holder; Marc Herremans, Belgian wheelchair Ironman triathlete; and Professor Nick Webborn CBE, Chair of the British Paralympic Association, have united alongside Allwyn to encourage people from around the world to take part in the 2024 Wings for Life World Run on 5 May, targeting a record one million participants in the world’s biggest simultaneous race.
Established in 2014, The Wings for Life World Run is a uniquely inclusive global event. All participants start at the same time, worldwide. There is no fixed finish line, instead the virtual Catcher Car begins its chase 30-minutes after the start and increases in speed, passing participants one by one until the last participant is caught. Once overtaken, you are a finisher. With hundreds of thousands running, rolling, or walking at the same time in the world’s largest simultaneous race.
100% of all entry fees and donations are given to scientific research and clinical studies worldwide to find a cure for spinal cord injuries. The Wings for Life World Run has raised €43m for Wings for Life, a non-profit foundation which provides funding for international scientific research on spinal cord injury.
The World Health Organisation estimates there are up to 500,000[1] new spinal cord injuries every year. Depending on the severity of the injury, that can lead to paralysis, sensory disturbance, and even breathing problems. These injuries typically occur as a result of an accident in daily life, which in an instant drastically changes a person’s life. The Wings for Life World Run unites people from around the world to help change the trajectory of these injuries by funding cutting-edge research projects.
Professor Nick Webborn CBE, in addition to acting as Chair of the British Paralympic Association is a researcher in Paralympic sports medicine and wheelchair tennis player, who himself suffered a spinal cord injury at a young age said: “As we approach the Paris 2024 Paralympics, it is a great time to demonstrate the importance of inclusivity in sports. Spinal cord injury can have a profound effect on an individual and those around them, and staying physically active is especially important for disabled people to maintain their health. The vision of the British Paralympic Association is ‘Through sport, a better world for disabled people’. The values of Allwyn and the Wings for Life World Run marry perfectly with this vision, and highlights what makes participating in this event so valuable. I am delighted to be able to support Wings for Life to help raise funds to find a cure for spinal cord injury through research.”
Allwyn’s three-year agreement as official global partner of the 2024 Wings for Life World Run sees it encouraging over 7,000 employees and others from Austria, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Greece & Cyprus, UK, and the United States to participate and raise funds. Allwyn’s partnership with Wings for Life World Run is just one of the contributions made as part of its commitment to give back to good causes.
Colin Jackson and Marc Herremans, as Sports Director and Wheelchair Sports Director for the Wings for Life World Run, visited Allwyn colleagues at their offices in Watford and Prague to explain the cause and impact of the event, and to encourage people to take part.
Marc Herremans commented: “I have experienced first-hand how a spinal cord injury can transform your life. With the support of Allwyn colleagues and global participants in this year’s race, we move one step closer to improving the quality of life of people with spinal cord injuries around the world.”
Colin Jackson added: “The Wings for Life World Run is truly an event like no other. Seeing the enthusiasm of people to join in, knowing they take part alongside thousands of others, is always inspiring. Allwyn’s mission to change lives for the better is what the race is all about, and their support makes our mission possible.”
Pavel Turek, Chief Global Brand, Corporate Communication and CSR Officer at Allwyn said: “Allwyn’s commitment to inclusivity and giving back to good causes makes our partnership with the Wings for Life World Run a perfect match. We are proud to be going into our second year as official global partner to this unique and inspiring event. With each person wheeling, running, or walking their own race together, however we take part, we all win.”
