The Yannick Project
A new partnership linked to the renowned Patrouille des Glaciers has been established: the Yannick Project. We are immensely proud to accompany Christian, Jean-Philippe, Pascal, and Robin on their adventure for Yannick.
"There are tragedies and there are encounters, but there is always the human at the center" – Christian, one of the four friends.
Yannick's Story
Yannick is above all a young man full of energy and courage who has managed to move forward despite the obstacles that life has placed in his path. Against his will, his life took a major turn in January 2022.
On that day, four friends, Christian, Jean-Philippe, Pascal, and Robin, decided to go on a ski touring excursion. It was an initiation for some and a regular outing for others. Together, late in the day, they went to La Dôle where they began their ascent to the summit. Once there, they met a man, Yannick, with whom they briefly spoke. What they did not yet know was that this young man would change their lives. Indeed, as they left the summit, they found Yannick lying on the slope, having fallen. Together, they helped rescue him while reassuring him.
Today, this young man is paralyzed, having endured an unbelievable number of trials, yet he has retained an incredible energy and inner strength.
For these four friends, these four fathers, this experience was extremely significant. Although the bond with Yannick only grew stronger over the years, the injustice of the situation deeply moved them, and they could not find a way to accept it.
A race for Yannick
This young man, Yannick, grew up with his sisters, every two years since his childhood, in the organization of the PdG, through the investment of his parents and close people in Verbier. This also explains his taste for the mountains and ski touring that he had developed over many years. Yannick thus grew up rubbing shoulders with the backstage of this race, which he never had the opportunity to do but which was a close goal for him. On a memorable and moving day, as the four friends visited him, Yannick suggested that they participate in the race on his behalf.
There was no hesitation; it was already accepted.
"We didn't have to think long. Our response was a simultaneous yes from the four of us. We believe that life wanted our paths to cross and that we must be present in this trial that he and his family are going through." - Jean-Philippe, one of the four friends.
For Christian, Jean-Philippe, Pascal, and Robin, this race is much more than just a physical challenge; it's a journey of acceptance and reconciliation. By taking on this monumental challenge in Yannick's name, they not only honor his unfulfilled dream but also find a way to confront the injustice of his situation. As they navigate rugged terrain and push their limits, they will undoubtedly find comfort and strength in the camaraderie of their team and in the shared goal of making Yannick proud. In this race, they hope to find healing and peace, transforming their sorrow and frustration into determination and resilience.
Movement and the Yannick Project
When these four friends came to ask us to participate in their adventure, there was no doubt. Movement has always supported projects, and this one had to be part of them. Not only did the story move all employees, but the fact that it was possible to contribute to the realization of one of Yannick's unfinished dreams filled us with warmth and emotion. The kindness of the project, the human adventure that follows, and above all, the possibility of giving Yannick the experience of the PdG made it clear that we would respond to this call, and we thank them for thinking of us.
A big congratulations to these four friends for their commitment to fulfilling this dream for Yannick: Christian Piffard, Jean-Philippe Fontannaz, Pascal Kirchhofer, and Robin Crisinel.
We look forward to welcoming you at the finish line alongside Yannick!
