From 2016 to 2018, the team of Hélène Grand’Eury and Charlotte Zucconi brought honor to France by securing three podium finishes.
A look back at this one-of-a-kind event, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
A one-of-a-kind rally
The Aïcha des Gazelles Rally is the only one of its kind in the world to bring together exclusively women for a race—not a speed race, but an orienteering race—in an incredible setting. Every year, under the Moroccan sun, a large number of participants take the starting line.
The event combines motorsports with environmental protection, as it directly contributes to ecological efforts while reducing CO2 emissions compared to a traditional rally. Thanks to its eco-friendly initiatives, it earned “ISO 14001:2015” certification in 2010.
Indeed, there is a genuine commitment to minimizing harm to the environment in which the race takes place. Contributing to the development of a better world is one of the values championed by the Rally’s organizers, participants, and partners. With this in mind, the organizers added a category specifically dedicated to electric vehicles in 2017: the “E-Gazelles.” In addition, the organizers recycle the water bottles consumed during the event so they can be reused to construct buildings—including daycare centers and schools—or to make various items.
This initiative is truly part of a sustainable development effort. Since 2001, the affiliated organization “Cœur de Gazelles” has been working to support local communities by providing valuable assistance in the areas of healthcare, education, vocational training, and sustainable development.
The assistance provided is not limited to the duration of the experiment; it continues throughout each year. Since 2010, a school has been welcoming women and children in Tamsguidat, at the foot of the Merzouga dunes in Morocco. In addition, an eco-caravan travels across the desert to collect and recycle plastic waste, which is then turned into reusable cotton bags. Finally, the organizers have installed 24 wells to provide local communities with access to water.
Because the organization pays special attention to the status of women. It offers the women of Tamsguidat a path to re-entry into the workforce through literacy classes and by opening a training restaurant (where they can learn a trade and earn an income).
2021 Edition: The Rally Celebrates Its 30th Anniversary
The 2020 race was supposed to celebrate the rally’s 30th anniversary. However, the complex health situation in Morocco forced the organizers to cancel the event. As a result, everyone will celebrate the event’s 30th anniversary from September through October 2021.
To mark the occasion, let’s take a look back at its history.
Dominique Serra, head of the Maïenga communications agency located in the Gard department, is the founder of the rally. The first edition was launched in 1990 with nine participating teams. The creator of the concept did not lose heart, and two years later, the event opened up to international entries. Then, one thing led to another year after year: the creation of the association and the launch of the first charitable initiatives. The introduction of the “cross-over” category, the implementation of the IRITRACK satellite geolocation system, the granting of the Kingdom’s coat of arms by King Mohammed VI, the adoption of an environmental standard, and the creation of the “E-Gazelles” category.
The Rally’s influence is spreading worldwide; its recognition by famous personalities and the growing number of participating teams are a testament to its increasing success.
In addition, several television, radio, and print media outlets in various countries cover the Rallye des Gazelles. In France, M6, in particular, airs a short program dedicated to this event every year for three weeks.
Support from Polaire
Our brand, a key player in the automotive industry, aligns with the moral values promoted by the event. As such, Polaire is showing its support for women’s motorsports.
We are proud to have been helping to bridge the gap between the environment and auto racing for 30 years through the Rallye des Gazelles. We are also committed to supporting the COP (Conference of the Parties) every year. The COP brings together representatives from many countries around the world for an annual assembly to take action against global warming. Following these discussions, goals are set and agreements are reached. Among them is the Kyoto Protocol, signed in 1997, and the Paris Agreement, ratified by 195 countries in 2015 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
We also commend the volunteer efforts of the men and women who work for the association and help ensure that each event runs smoothly.
In closing, we encourage our French champions to continue pushing themselves to new heights and to uphold the human values they have demonstrated for years.