2018.07.24 : 34th edition of the MSG Trophy

Hard work and memories!

On 22, 23 and 24 March, two Imperator teams took part in the MSG Trophy challenge organized by the Lille business management school. We take a look back at an extremely sporty weekend!

 “The hardest part? The paddle-sea walking. You wouldn’t have thought it, but it really is a gruelling challenge”, confessed Hervé Durand, head of procurement with the Operations Department. Next to him, laboratory controller Grégory Hanc smiles in agreement. “We had to battle against the elements and were completely rinsed out”. Both literally and metaphorically! However, ask them if they want to come back and do it again next year and they answer without drawing breath: “It was fantastic! We’re ready to sign up whenever you want!” Since 1986, students from the MSG Trophy association have been organizing a major sports trek for companies in northern France. An event designed as a team-building exercise for the people taking part and as an opportunity for students at the IAE of Lille to bolster their network. Basically, it’s a win-win.

Stregthening ties

As a general rule, the trek challenge commences on the Thursday evening with a night-time orienteering race and continues with various sporting challenges, such as archery, cycling, biathlon, paddle-sea walking, stand-up paddling, canoeing, kayaking, running, etc. This year, around fifteen teams from various companies in the region – including Lesaffre, Bayer and Norauto – took part and were ready to rumble on France’s northern coast! Eight people from Imperator took part. “Imperator’s management department got into the spirit of it and allowed two teams to take part”, said Hervé. We all shared a big bungalow in Wimereux. Living together for two days really was a life-enhancing experience! It helped us get to know people you would normally only just say hi to at the company and forge real bonds”. Grégory agreed. “When you’re doing your job, you rarely get the opportunity to talk to the others. But doing this, we really got to know one another”. Despite the less-than-clement weather conditions, the teams finished in 9th and 11th place. A fine performance that deserves our recognition!

Well done gentlemen – we look forward to seeing you in 2019!