The Women Inclusion Network (WIN) in cooperation with Nextgen gave our employees the opportunity to our employees to participate in the 15th edition of the Carpathian Wander. Fourteen of our colleagues accepted the challenge. On Saturday, they hiked along the ridge of the Volovské hills in hiking boots.

Carpathian Wander is a donor hiking event that has several dimensions. Not only does it bring people together in the nature of the magical Carpathia, but it also helps develop the region of eastern Slovakia. Proceeds from registration fees will support public benefit projects in the region thanks to the We Love the East fund. Tourists have a choice of a 50 km hike starting in Štós, or a 25 km route from Kojšovská hola. One of our colleagues went on a 50 km hike and another thirteen chose a half route.

Marek Trembecký, a representative of Nextgen, working in the planning and logistics department, took part in the field trip for the second time:

"Together with my colleagues, we covered a 25 km route. We started at Erika's cottage on Kojšovská hola at 10:00 a.m. and arrived at the finish line in the Čičky area of ​​the KVP housing estate around 5:30 p.m. The event was extremely successful thanks to the great weather and perfect mood, and the rest of the team seemed to be extremely satisfied as well. The average age of our group was 52, but we walked like young men. At the beginning of the hike, we agreed that we would start together and we would all reach the destination together. As one team. Hats off to all colleagues. I hope that the event will take place again next year. It would mean for our company the 3rd year of support to the region in a row, it's a nice idea. Not to mention that people get to know each other better and have a great day together.”

Rita Huňadyová from Human Resources provided the statistics:

"I enjoyed it very much. We burned 4,000 calories, took 36,000 steps and walked almost 27 km. We walked for 7 hours and 12 minutes at a speed of 3.6 km/h. We waited for each other, we held together. As one team. Our reward was a refreshment at the finish line. We advised each other on what would relieve muscle soreness: paralen, salt bath, enough of sleep. I also thank the organizers and my company for this sporting and cultural event."

There are rumors about Rita that she was the only one able to walk, breathe and talk even in the most difficult parts of the hike. In the team, she earned the nickname Jingle bell. Guess why… Several people shared their experience.

Dana Malčická, QMS department:
"I would like to thank everyone who participated in organizing the Saturday's hike. It was a really beautiful event, with great people. The weather was on our side. I think we all enjoyed it very much, as can be seen on the pictures, and I'm already looking forward to the next year of the Carpathian wander, the meaning of which has a much greater meaning. Thanks for the great organization."

Jana Sýčová (experienced hiker), Purchasing Transaction Center:
"Amazing event, amazing weather, the crew was great. It was truly one fantastic hiking experience. Even if the legs hurt after more than twenty-six kilometers, it was worth it. I warmly recommend the trip to everyone, I would like to participate next year as well. Thank you for the opportunity to join such an event."

Anita Flašková Hozová, QMS department:
"I want to thank you very much for Saturday's hike, for the opportunity to join this great event, where I could meet new people and colleagues, enjoy the nature of our beautiful eastern Slovakia and contribute to the development of our region on behalf of our company. It was a wonderful experience, I would like to repeat it next year."

The Carpathian Wander has been organized by the Carpathian Foundation since 2010. So far, thanks to the wanderers, they have supported 74 great projects focused on meeting people, non-commercial culture and creativity, or a healthy lifestyle. The support went to more than 40 towns and villages in eastern Slovakia.

From left to right: Michal Ujjobagy, Rita Hunadyová, Anita Flašková Hozová, Dana Molčanová, Dana Malčická, Oľga Jeňová, Jana Sýčová, Monika Moravanská, Michal Tančák, Marek Trembecký, Zuzana Čurneková, Iveta Chamradová