The Ageas Challenge reaches new heights
When the concept of the Ageas Challenge was first introduced in the context of the development of the Connect21 strategy, it was always designed to be more than just about doing sport. It was also about teambuilding and making a connection with one another in the wellbeing space, by participating in a series of different challenges that bring people together in mind and spirit. In reward for the participant’s efforts, Ageas makes a generous contribution to several good causes, helping others overcome their challenges.
At the Ageas Group level, we supported Athletes for Hope. Our sponsorship will be used to buy a walking robot for children with spinal cord injuries or muscle diseases. On a local level, the entities are free to choose those local good causes they want to pay special attention to.
The Ageas Challenge allows us to challenge ourselves and each other and it reflects the spirit that makes Ageas the company that it is. Some 4,600 people are now connected to the online Challenge platform, and perhaps the experience of the past 12 months has brought even more meaning to the Challenge. It forced us to look for innovative and creative ways to connect through physical and mental activities, prompting us to give even more thought to those we choose to support and the special challenges they may be facing.
As well as participating in a range of local initiatives, the Challenge kept our people around the world on the move. Along the way we shared tips and tricks on the platform about ergonomics and physical and mental wellbeing. Whether we chose to walk, to run or to jump on our bikes, the result was impressive. Together we reached our goal of 2.5 million kilometers more quickly than we had anticipated. (If you need some help in getting your head around such a big number: it is the equivalent of 62 times around the globe!) Each year we raise the bar higher: in 2020 we went 0.5 million kilometers further than the year before.
The challenge continues in 2021 with new goals, new challenges, and new targets. Much like being in business! But the Ageas Challenge is the catalyst for a brand new burst of energy.
During my first week at Ageas, I signed up on the Ageas Challenge platform and it felt great, since I am someone who has never tracked my sports activities through an app or a wearable device. Therefore, the Challenge provided me with a great opportunity to start monitoring my physical activities. As a father of a one-year-old, keeping up with a regular sport routine is particularly challenging. But the Ageas Challenge is the perfect stepping stone to making time for more activity on a regular basis.