UNICEF is a “Charity Partner” at the Locarno Triathlon
A triathlon for everyone
The Locarno Triathlon is characterized by its inclusion: on two consecutive days, the participants have the opportunity to prove their skills on different distances in the areas of swimming, cycling and running. Not only adults can test their sporting limits on many long routes, but also children and young people can look forward to offers in their age groups. In addition to the sporting aspect of the event, the athletes and their fans have the opportunity to get involved with children in need.
Solidarity, fairness and respect as common values
“The Triathlon Locarno is an event designed to promote the values of sport such as solidarity, fairness and respect for the individual,” says Juro Grgic, President of the Locarno Triathlon. “UNICEF’s mission, to protect and develop Contributing to the potential of every child aligns perfectly with these values».
In Ukraine, children and families have been suffering from the consequences of the war for six months now. Devastation and displacement determine their everyday life. Bettina Junker, Managing Director of UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein, says: «The children in Ukraine urgently need safety, stability, access to safe educational institutions, child protection and psychosocial support. Through the “charity partnership” with the Locarno Triathlon, we are improving the situation of these vulnerable children in small but individual steps.”
In addition to the entry fee, all participants can also be spent on the registration for needy children in the Ukraine. Those who do not physically participate in the triathlon can purchase merchandise to support various UNICEF programs. At the Village location, UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein will have their own stand, where anyone interested can find out about donation options. In addition, all children and their families are welcome at the second UNICEF location on the Lido. The free ones on site look forward to a joint exchange after the children’s triathlon and playful activities in the UNICEF children’s tent.
Donations for Ukrainian children in need
The war in Ukraine claims more lives every day – including that of uninvolved civilians, including children. Heavy shelling damaged many of them, as well as important facilities for children such as schools and kindergartens, but also drinking water stations. Since the war began, more than 7.5 million people have fled Ukraine to seek protection in a neighboring country. Most of them are women and children. These experiences can be severely traumatizing for the children. Aside from children being killed or seriously injured in attacks, almost every type of deeply distressing event in Ukraine is and certain fleeing the violence are at significant risk of family separation, violence, abuse, sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
UNICEF is still in Ukraine, providing clean water, health and hygiene supplies to children and their families. The United Nations Children’s Fund is also working in neighboring countries to finance refugee families with the essentials. Along the escape routes, UNICEF set up contact points for refugee children and their families in the border areas of several countries, for example in Moldova and Romania.