Head-to-Head for water

Corporate teams sought for adrenalin-fuelled challenge

Could you win the Cisco Euro Challenge?

Credit: WaterAid / Suzanne Porter

7 July 2008

Up to sixty teams from some of the world's top companies are going head-to-head in a challenge of fitness, intelligence and strategic thinking in the Cisco Euro Challenge, to raise money for WaterAid. This exhilarating event will take place in Tromsø, Norway, 24 – 27 September 2009.

Teams from all over Europe will descend upon the 'Gateway to the Arctic', Trömsø – a lively mountain town boasting spectacular northern lights, to take part in a unique exercise which tests the strategic, mental and team aspects of sport. Promoting collective pride and team spirit, the Cisco Euro Challenge demonstrates the true power of teamwork so that individuals are 100% engaged, inspired and equipped to drive their performance back in the office.

Each team consists of four core members and one Senior Executive. The physical challenge is only part of it: smart planning, decision making and effective communication make up the key requirements for success. The winning teams from the Cisco Euro Challenge will go on to compete in the Intelligent Sport® World Series Final in Cyprus in December. What's more, teams will be helping some of the millions of people without clean water and sanitation take the first steps out of poverty. This is the second year teams will raise sponsorship for WaterAid as part of the challenge, helping people throughout Africa, Asia and the Pacific Region set up and manage their own water, sanitation and hygiene projects.

Azzuri Communications, having recently acquired 16 new companies, will be participating in the Cisco Euro Challenge this year to strengthen their programme of employee integration.

Noel McGonigle, Group HR Director of Azzurri, commented:

"We have identified a number of internal opportunities to drive this programme forward and the Cisco Euro Challenge offered another great chance to support our aim towards 'One Azzurri'."

Noel continued "We have had a great response with over 150 out of our 750 employees registering for the event, and we have challenged each of our nine offices to raise a multi-disciplinary team. We have been extremely pleased with the team building benefits already delivered and the buzz it has created in the company."

Rebecca Poyntz, Events Executive of WaterAid, said:

"WaterAid is excited to be the beneficiary charity for the Cisco Euro Challenge for a second year. This is a truly unique event whereby businesses benefit hugely through team development and staff motivation, whilst at the same time helping WaterAid to provide the basics for life that everyone's entitled to – water and sanitation. We wish the teams the best of luck with their targets and with the challenge."

Last year participating teams raised enough money to provide 2,000 people with safe water, sanitation and hygiene education. Just £15 is enough to provide one person with a lasting supply of these basics. With every £1 invested in sanitation and water yielding an estimated £8 economic return – through reduced health costs, better education and increased productivity – the Cisco Euro Challenge is more than just an investment in your staff.

If you think your company is up to the challenge and wants to be a part of this adrenalin-fuelled adventure, competing against businesses like Hewlett Packard, Dell, Cisco Systems and BT, then register your interest in the challenge.

For more information, images or to arrange an interview contact Brenda McIlwraith at brendamcilwraith@wateraid.org or 020 7793 2245.