South Sinai, November 18-19, 2005

The second BG Egypt Energy Challenge Event was blessed

with superb weather coupled with breathtaking scenery for

the 26 participating teams. More than 120 participants hiked

and climbed a total of 27 kilometers over two days in the mountainous area of Saint Katherine, South Sinai.

Teams

Teams were made up of employees of all levels from the oil and gas sector as well as banks, hotels, food industry and IT companies, who raised funds to support development projects in the poorest parts of Egypt. This year’s returning company teams totaled an impressive 60% including BG, BP, ELNG, Intec Engineering (who traveled from the UK to participate), CARE, Shell, RASHPETCO, Devon and EAB. New teams joined from Le Meridian Hotels, HSBC, Giza Systems, Master Foods, Coca Cola and the Arab African International Bank.

Day One

The first day of the event involved extensive hiking and climbing in mountainous areas, with continually changing terrain. The participants started out at St. Katherine town, climbed Abu Giffa cliff and headed towards the gardens of Farsh Rummanah where they camped one night under a glowing sky with a trillion stars. The night ended on a jubilant note with an incredible bonfire party and music entertainment provided by the Bedouins and the participants.

Day Two

The second day started at 6 am with a more challenging hike towards Bab El Donia, at 2090 meters. Participants braved the long hike and smiled throughout. After enjoying the wonderful panoramic scenery of the Gulf of Suez, participants descended back to St. Katherine. The event’s less-traveled route offered great views as a reward for attempting this tough hike.

The Final Night

The event was spectacularly concluded with a closing ceremony honoring all those who contributed to making the event a huge success. Participants celebrated and danced the night away with live entertainment from Ahmed Harfoush, who sang and played records with Latin music, oldies, rock, R&B etc. Team spirit was much in evidence, not only throughout the hike, but on the dance floor too. 

Last But Not Least

The event found high appeal among more Egyptians and women this year. More than 80% of the participants found the event highly rewarding and expressed willingness to participate in future CARE-organized events.

The Event was organized with support from the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency.

CARE Egypt’s partnership with BG Egypt continues to get stronger and provide a great example for the corporate sector in Egypt on Corporate Social Responsibility.

Congratulations and

a sincere “thank you”

to everyone for taking part!

Awards

With several companies entering from various sectors, a friendly rivalry was fostered by many.  The following awards were given to:

Most Funds Pledged: BP 2 (Gebel Rebels)

Most Innovative Fundraising Ideas: CARE

Best Sportsmanship: All 6 ELNG teams

Most Garbage Collected: Shell

Best Team Outfit: Master Foods

Best Team Name: Energetically Challenged

The Traveling Camel: Ahna Machan, Seattle, USA

The Hare Award: RASHPETCO

The Tortoise Award: ELNG 5

Thank You to Our Amazing Group of Volunteers

A huge thank you to the wonderful team of volunteers for giving their time to help. Their support ensured that every aspect of the event went smoothly.  Thanks to: Ahmed Ismail, Ahmad Gharbeia, Hala Ragab, Janice Hilton-Lee, Khaled Sharkawi, Mohamed Kamal, Mohamed Nada, Nadia Haridi and Tracy Karbus.

Special Thanks To:

Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency for their full support ranging from security to logistical assistance.

Timberland who gave special discounts to the participants for the second year in a row on selected shoes, pants and backpacks and other items.

Caterpillar for offering participants discounts on hiking clothes, shoes and bags.

As-Salam International Hospital for facilitating the use of a brand new, fully-equipped ambulance with a highly qualified medical staff.

The BG Egypt Energy Challenge Event is a one-of-a-kind event, which takes you to unique places in Egypt while challenging you both physically and mentally.

For more information:

Call 526-0096 ext. 162 or 163

or

CARE Egypt Challenge Events Hotline at

012-746-2222