From greens to gravel: The sports powering Cargo Day
A golf tournament, a trail run, a cycling race and have shown that Cargo Day is more than a date on the calendar. It’s a movement powered by people who genuinely care.
Each event has raised funds that will help Mercy Ships continue delivering free surgeries and training to communities in Africa. But beyond the numbers, they’ve also built bonds, sparked new energy, and shown that when people join forces (whether in business or in sport), remarkable things happen.
Why sport and solidarity go hand in hand
Sport has a way of bringing people together. Whether it’s on a golf course, along a trail, or on the open road, it’s a shared effort. Every player and every runner knows that progress comes step by step, often with the encouragement of others.
That same spirit is at the heart of Mercy Ships and Cargo Day. Bringing a hospital ship to port, treating patients, and training local professionals is a team effort. It relies on many different people, each playing their part, moving toward the same goal.
The sporting initiatives this summer did more than raise funds. They created spaces where colleagues could meet outside the office, strengthen relationships, and see the impact of their industry in a new light. Joining a run or a round of golf became a reminder that the shipping community is stronger when it acts together.
When a community went to the moon for Mercy Ships
The EPS community, together with partners, sponsors, friends, and family, set out on an extraordinary journey: To the Moon. Across sea and shore, participants ran, walked, and cycled a combined 574,644 km, each step and pedal stroke bringing hope to those in need.
The biennial fundraiser united people around the world in support of Mercy Ships. And just like every kilometer counts, every contribution matters — together, more than S$2 million was raised to help provide life-changing surgeries and medical training in Africa.
It was more than a challenge. It was a reminder that when we move together, we can go further than we ever imagined.
When a trail run becomes a fundraiser
High in the Aosta Valley, with Mont Blanc on the horizon, Manu and Anna Ravano laced up for the Gran Trail Courmayeur. The 30-kilometre course is beautiful, but also demanding, with steep climbs and rocky descents.
This year, Manu and Anna crossed the finish line in just over five hours, well under the six-hour threshold they had set as their goal. Supporters had pledged between $1 and $10 for every minute below that mark. With 53 minutes gained, the result was a wave of contributions for Mercy Ships.
And their energy reached far beyond Italy. Colleagues and partners from across the shipping world celebrated their progress. For Manu, Co-CEO of Ifchor Galbraiths, and his wife Anna, it was about more than completing the distance. Their perseverance and teamwork echoed the mission of Mercy Ships.
When a golf tournament brings companies together
This summer, Clarksons Switzerland SA gathered colleagues and clients from across the globe for a charity golf competition at Maison Blanche Golf Club. Teams traveled from London, Madrid, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Copenhagen, Zurich, and Geneva to take part. The day combined friendly rivalry on the course with a shared commitment to support Mercy Ships.
The funds raised will help extend the impact of Mercy Ships beyond the shoreline. Just as important, it showed how companies in the shipping world are finding creative ways to contribute outside of Cargo Day itself.
Throughout the year, partners like Clarksons continue to build momentum by linking their professional networks to a cause that saves lives. Their initiative shows that business relationships can grow stronger when they are joined to a purpose.
When a bike ride supports hope and healing
On 5 September, cyclists from the trading and shipping community gathered in Geneva for the third edition of the “Round the Lake” charity ride. Organized by BRS Shipbrokers, the event already had 44 riders signed up to complete either an 85 km route to Montreux or the full 172 km circuit around the lake.
Every kilometer helped raise funds for Mercy Ships, supporting surgeries and medical training in Africa. Participants cycled past mountain views and lakeside villages, knowing that they’re part of something much larger than the finish line.
See the video here https://lnkd.in/p/eju2Zpjp and photos from the event here https://lnkd.in/p/eYvQPZik.
Cargo Day: The heart of the movement
All of these sporting efforts share a common source of inspiration.
Every year in November, the global shipping industry comes together for Cargo Day, a fundraising initiative created by the shipping community to support Mercy Ships.
On this day, shipbrokers, charterers, ship owners, and port agents any other companies in the shipping industry can make a pledge or give part of their commissions. Since it began nine years ago, more than 200 companies have participated, raising over $15 million. It’s become a tradition in the shipping calendar, turning the industry’s daily work into lasting impact for patients and their families.
And last summer’s sports events show that the Cargo Day spirit is alive well beyond the event itself.
The bigger picture: Hope and healing in action
The funds raised through Cargo Day (and these sporting events) will soon be at work in operating rooms, classrooms, and hospitals across Africa.
Mercy Ships uses these resources to provide free surgeries on board its hospital ships, while also training and mentoring local healthcare professionals. Its goal is to strengthen entire healthcare systems for the future, and it’s already delivered over 122,000 life-changing surgical procedures.
And behind every number is a story. One is that of Armella, a 2-years old girl born with a tumor growing behind her ear. ((Link story)
Now it's your turn
This summer’s golf tournament, trail run, and upcoming bike ride have shown how much can be achieved when colleagues and companies decide to act. Mercy Ships is deeply grateful to everyone who has already given their time, energy, and creativity to raise funds in support of hope and healing.
But there’s still room for more.
Whether it’s a sporting challenge, a community gathering, or another idea entirely, your initiative can make a difference. Every contribution adds momentum to the work of providing free surgeries and training healthcare professionals in Africa.
And with Cargo Day fast approaching, now is the time to get involved.