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Full interview with DKProject, 1st place winner of the Uniraid Solidarity Project
After conquering UniRaid and managing to deliver 40 kg of solidarity material to the desert villages, the DKProject team does not rule out new challenges.
"Even though you suffer, once you see the goal at the end of the road you realize that what you have experienced is magical, unforgettable and unrepeatable."
Marcos and Rafael were proclaimed champions of this raid last October, covering around 2,500 km through Morocco with their mythical Volkswagen Polo Classic II.
The test, which had more than 100 cars driven by young entrepreneurs between 18 and 28 years old, was a great success.
Thanks to this project, other things have been achieved:
- Replace the inefficient and costly lighting system in several schools with modern solar panel systems and LED lights.
- Deliver solar ovens in desert areas devoid of firewood.
- Create and equip computer classrooms in several schools.
Congratulations on the victory! When did you see the possibility of finishing first?
Thank you very much. The truth is that we never saw that possibility. We went to give the best of ourselves, but we never imagined we would be first, it was a pleasant surprise. We only knew the classification of the first day, where we were 19th. Every day we fought to reach the finish line in one piece and to set the best possible time in the regularity sections.
What has most caught your attention about UniRaid?
We were struck by the living conditions of the nomads and how, even so, they were the least demanding of all. Also the immense landscapes and the possibility of getting into places where it seemed impossible.
Regarding the material collected, what is the most demanded or needed?
The children asked for lots of balls, and toys are the most joyful thing to hand out. However, there were some areas that were much more needy, and that is another scenario where even a pair of shoes could be of great help.
Have you been surprised by the support from companies and individuals?
Undoubtedly, we have even had some solidarity material left over because we could not fit it in the car and our sponsors are the proof that unity is strength with the help of many companies from different fields and all contributing their grain of sand. In fact, we wanted to emphasize that in the prize also scores the solidarity material carried, so much of the victory we owe it to the people.
Would you repeat the experience or would you like to try other types of solidarity races?
If we were to repeat we would embark to try UniRaid Europe, the same experience, but from Venice to Greece. We wouldn't mind trying the Spanish Classic Raid either.
If someone reads you and is hesitating to participate, what would you tell him/her to definitely get the bug?
Without a doubt, I would tell them that even though they will suffer with every bump in the car, that they will sweat and beat themselves up every day... Once they see the finish line at the end of the road, they will realize that what they have experienced is magical, unforgettable and unrepeatable, and it leaves lessons that will stay with them for a long time.