Mexico's 'Health Rally' scoops Abu Dhabi Spirit of the Rally

The organisers of a rally-themed health initiative in the Mexican State of Guanajuato have been presented with the latest 'Abu Dhabi Spirit of the Rally' award.

The award, created by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, is presented at each WRC round to mark an outstanding feat of leadership, integrity, respect or teamwork.

In Mexico it was presented in recognition of the innovative Rally de la Salud or 'Health Rally' project - a collaboration between rally organisers and the Department of Health of the State of Guanajuato.

The scheme benefited rural communities along the rally route via mobile medical units. Run throughout February, it is estimated that more than 12,000 people received health awareness information, with the mobile surgeries providing more than 1500 medical and 700 dental check-ups.

Gilles Spitalier, Operations Director of Rally Guanajuato Bicentenario, said: “The Rally de la Salud was designed to bring medical attention to those who have limited access to medical care, and to thank the inhabitants of the area for their support of the event."

Dr. Jorge Armando Aguirre Torres, Secretary of Health of the State of Guanajuato added, “Promoting a culture of health is a challenge, but we wanted to embrace this important opportunity. We are enormously grateful to the organisers of Rally Guanajuato Bicentenario for their help in an issue that concerns us all”.