All news

News

We were there too!

Car racing in the heart of Bern licks the Inter-European Region building.

We were there too!

Yesterday was the first day of summer. The sky here in Bern is gray and we expect rain for the weekend. But that's not what is currently bothering us here in the offices of the Inter-European region of the Seventh-day Adventist Church (EUD). 

Actually, it's not really a concern, but the event that caught our attention is the Formula E Championship that will pass right in front of our offices. 

Yes, you read it right. This is a competition of racing cars that run on electric motors. And the race is a worldwide championship. 

“The ABB FIA Formula E Championship is the world’s most prestigious championship for electric race-cars. This championship is one of the only sport events which is being hosted all over the world. In the fifth season 13 races will be held in 12 major cities, such as Hong Kong, Mexico City, Rome, Paris, New York – and after Zurich in 2018 the Formula E is coming to the Swiss capital Bern,” we read on the web page of the world-famous race (read here).   

“Through the usage of electric racing cars,” explain the organisers, “the Formula E is supporting a more sustainable mobility within the fight against pollution and climate change. It provides solutions for the problems of climate change and raises awareness amongst its fan base.” 

Of course, it is a spectacular side event in the heart of the city. But this kind of event does not have only positive and beneficial aspects. There's a downside to this that needs to be taken into account.

I don't know how many of you are motorsport fans, especially in Formula 1, but when you see the race on television you don't realise the work behind it, especially when the race is on a city track.  

The work starts days, weeks before, and is not “compatible” with the regular city life. 

We asked Reto Mayer, EUD treasure associate and Inhouse Manager, about his initial reaction when he became aware that the Formula E world race will be in Bern and in front of our EUD offices. 
“I became aware of this race last January by reading a newspaper. The first reaction was to collect as much information as possible in order to prepare us, if needed, for this race; [including] protective measures, for example for the property.” 

As we are included in the area of the race, (see the map) we had the possibility to hear the reaction of the neighborhood. And it seems that it was not so positive. 

“Yes, the reactions are very negative. I had a conversation with the owner of a bakery located in the middle of the closed area. She is frustrated because, from a commercial point of view, she will have losses,” confirmed Mayer.   

This is something that those who are not included in the circle of marketing cannot understand completely, [the effects on locals] when an event is organised in the middle of the city. Let's show solidarity with our neighbors. We had the same feeling of being forced into the corner without asking our opinion. Could we have done otherwise? I do not know.

“The big problem to face is that all the people within this area – the Division included – cannot use their cars to exit the zone or come in. Everybody has to park their cars outside of the zone. We receive badges in order to get to the Division or the area of the Division,” Mayer continued. 

“When we heard about this race for the first time, we could not imagine what would really be done regarding construction of infrastructures. It is a big deal! I understand the frustration of the neighbors.”

However, when reflecting a bit on this event and its consequences for the daily life, the reality is that changes are always difficult to digest! Human beings do not like to be confronted with changes. This makes life complicated.  

Finally, the Formula E Championship is ready to start. However, even if for a short time, the name of our church is included in the long list of sponsors highlighted during the race.  

I wonder if someone will see our name on television! 

Maybe we are a bit opportunistic but, who knows, there might be some benefit; someone might be interested. This is the challenging game of advertising. 

Anyway, one thing is certain: in this ever-so-festive sporting turntable, despite ourselves, we were there, too.