Main sponsor LOWA remains faithful to 4Days Marches
‘When it’s back on, we’ll be there’
Stichting DE 4DAAGSE is proud to report that walking shoes maker LOWA will continue to be the 4Days Marches’ main sponsor for the next five years. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, LOWA has so far only been the main sponsor at the 2019 edition. ‘For us, that edition was a great experience,’ says marketing manager Jonathan Hermans. ‘It left us wanting more, and so we are looking forward to being the main sponsor for the next five editions as well.’
Major aspiration
After the cancelled editions of 2020 and 2021, LOWA could very well have thought, ‘too much risk, we’re out’. Hermans explains why this never even crossed anyone’s mind at the company. ‘It has always been a major aspiration of ours to become the main sponsor of the 4Days Marches, so when the opportunity came, we grabbed it with both hands. Unfortunately, the global situation has thrown a spanner in the works over the past 18 months, but this is all the more reason for us to be there when it’s back on. We greatly look forward to the next five years as the main sponsor of The Walk of the World and to welcoming back all the 4Days Marches walkers in 2022.’
Magical
Hermans experienced the 103rd edition of the 4Days Marches as the main sponsor at De Wedren for the first time. He looks back on that week as a unique experience. ‘Sure, there were some nerves, it was the first time after all. After months of preparations, the time had finally come and it turned into a fantastic edition. Especially the whole atmosphere around it all is almost magical and hard to put into words. So many enthusiastic walkers and supporters, everyone’s in a festive mood, the great organisation, it truly is a fantastic experience.’
Direct contact with walkers
At the LOWA stand, which was also located at De Wedren, it was extremely busy the whole week. Walkers could get advice from LOWA specialists, which they did in their droves. The stand also sold shoes and socks. ‘Apart from the fact that this, despite the hard work, made it feel like an unforgettable company outing for us, it is just very special to have direct contact with walkers in this way. A unique experience, and we also got a lot of nice feedback from visitors.’
Special collection
In 2019, LOWA released a special collection for the 4Days Marches that went down very well with walking enthusiasts, says Hermans. ‘While our regular collection includes a large number of models that meet 4Days Marches walkers’ preferences and requirements perfectly, we just fancied the idea of developing a 4Days Marches-styled shoe and sock collection. Initially, the collection was made up entirely of low walking shoes and socks in different colours, but we recently added a slightly higher model. Now we have something for everyone.’
Dirk Schaffrath and Jonathan Hermans (LOWA) - Henny Sackers, Mark Prinsen and Astrid Sanders (Stichting DE 4DAAGSE)
Needless to say, Stichting DE 4DAAGSE chairman Henny Sackers is delighted that the partnership with LOWA has been extended. ‘As an event, we can use this premium walking shoe brand’s vast expertise to help our walkers with even better advice on how to prepare for their 4Days Marches walking performance.’ Sponsoring & Partnerships Manager Mark Prinsen is pleased that LOWA continues to believe and invest in the 4Days Marches and walking in general: ‘LOWA has only experienced one actual 4Days Marches and it is precisely at this point, after two editions were cancelled due to the impact of COVID-19, where they show courage, guts and vision by renewing their association with the 4Days Marches.’
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