The 20th edition oft he prestigious ‘Bal de Printemps’ event was held on 19th of March at the Hotel President Wilson in Geneva, Switzerland where both Youthstream Group and FIM Europe took part. Organized by IRP (International Foundation for Research in Paraplegia), the charity evening is an annual event to collect funds for the research of Paraplegia. Youthstream has partnered with IRP since 2016 and continue to help raise funds for their important work.
From left, Eric Eggens (Yamaha MX Racing Manager), Patrick Steinvoorte (Tiffany’s), Stefano Avandero (MXGP Italy Organizer), Dacio Castillo (HE Ambassador Honduras WTO), Dr Wolfgang Srb (FIM Europe President), Philippe Boissonnas (IRP General Secretary), David Luongo (Youthstream Vice-President), Giuseppe Luongo (Youthstream President)The mission of IRP is to provide funds for basic and clinical research in the field of paraplegia in order to contribute to improve the lives of people affected by injuries to the spinal cord.
Dr Wolfgang Srb, FIM Europe President, with Philippe Boissonnas, IRP General Secretary, and Giuseppe Luongo, Youthstream President.
IRP organizes numerous activities and projects throughout the year aimed at:
• Raising funds for financing projects in the field of paraplegia;
• Identifying the most promising research teams and projects, both in Switzerland and abroad;
• Encouraging young scientists to focus their work on research into paraplegia;
• Promoting the exchange of information and cooperation between researchers in Switzerland and abroad;
• Increasing public awareness of the progress of research and its applications;
• Working with other institutions, especially universities, pursuing the same goals;
• Providing support for other activities related to paraplegia, which are otherwise neglected.
Dr Wolfgang Srb and Giuseppe Luongo with Marc Ristori, 60 and 80cc Swiss champion and three-times Swiss Champion in Open Motocross
Giuseppe Luongo, President of Youthstream, said, “IRP’s work is impressive and already the scientists are making encouraging steps forward. I invite everybody to visit IRP’s web-site (www.irp.ch) to see what they do more in detail. Youthstream is very sensitive to these important researches which IRP is doing and we will do our best to continue to support them. We are very proud to be a partner of this active foundation and we are also proud to be partners with Wings for Life and Road 2 Recovery”.
The Yamaha sold this evening for CHF 11,000
Dr Wolfgang Srb, President of FIM Europe, stated: “This is a most important initiative which deserves our full attention and permanent support. A lot has already been achieved; however, there is still so much more work to be done. Research is going on and one day the dream will come true: to stand up and walk again”.
