Portrait of a volunteer and communication student: Baptiste Balay

BAPTISTE BALAY’S INTERVIEW

Alain: Who are you and how did you join the UTAT organization team?

Baptiste: I am 23 years old, passionate about mountain sports and outdoor sports. I discovered the trail 3 years ago while I was doing simple jogging on the road and I became addicted since!

I live in Marseille where I am studying communication. In September 2016, I came across an announcement from the UTAT on francebénévolat.fr. I didn’t hesitate I took my phone to call; The feeling was good and the project interested me. From that very first day I am part of the UTAT adventur!

Alain: What is your role, what have you done since you joined us?

Baptiste: I work on various communication topics. My missions range from relations with the media to community management on social networks, through the creation of visuals or the drafting of content. With Rachid El Morabity we also take care of his Facebook page. I’m uncovered, everyone knows who is behind the UTAT facebook page now!

Alain: You signed up with UTAT as part of your studies, what did this experience bring you?

Baptiste: UTAT is a tremendous opportunity for me to apply what I am doing on the field. I love sport and sporting events and working in the trail domain is really challenging for me as this is the sport I am practicing the most now. In addition, working on an event offers a certain transversality. We also learn how to deal with unexpected events and demonstrate adaptability and initiative. All this is exciting!

Alain: You have not yet been on the event, what are the main feelings on the UTAT?

Baptiste: I think it is an event that is organized with passion. I just came back from Oukaïmeden where I was 3 weeks ago. There, I discovered the incredible setting of the race, the welcome of the Berbers, and I became aware of the magnitude of this sporting challenge. With Rachid we did the 42km in 2 days and my legs still remember it! Beyond all these aspects I have especially been amazed by the beauty of the environment during the journey.

Alain: So you’re going to come in October for the 9th edition, what are you expecting?

Baptiste: Indeed, and I am excited to be there. I expect something different from my July trip. Landscapes, colors and a very special atmosphere, a little positive stress, a lot of work and hopefully good times! I am also looking forward to seeing athletes like Daniel Jung, Armando Teixeira or Dawa Sherpa in the Atlas Mountains

Alain: What are your plans for the future?

Baptiste: I will finish my Master in 2018, then look for a job. One thing is for sure: I want to work in the sports field. Then I will see the opportunities that are available to me. I really look forward being there !

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This post is also available in: French