Josi Nasser and Helena on Sertões podium (foto: Murilo Mattos/ www.webventure.com.br)
The opinion is unanimous: Volkswagen driver Nasser Al-Attiyah was one of the most popular and kind personalities of this Sertões edition. But no one has seen it coming: he donated 20 thousand dollars to the driver Helena Deyama, who had her car burnt during the seventh stage of the competition. Being the second placer in the race, he leaves Brazil with the first place in popularity and generosity.
It all began with Reinaldo Varelas idea of making a raffle to raise some funds for Helena. A set of rally tires was donated, and the numbers were sold. He had the idea during the competitors briefing and, at the same time, everyone accepted the initiative, starting to buy the numbers that were drawn in improvised little papers. Nani, Varelas wife, helped a lot, along with Josi, and even the bike riders bought the raffle, told Helena.
During the awards party last night (july 4th) in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte state, Helena herself, along with her navigator Joseane Koerich, picked up the number. It was a hard lesson this year. I hadnt quite realized what happened, but it showed me that in the difficult moments one can see that they have true friends, and that rally is a big family, said Helena before she picked the winner.
The lucky fellow was race director Jaime Santos, who went to the stage, thanked, but said that he did not have means to take the tires home, since he lives in Portugal. Then there came the idea of making an auction with the tire set. When the biddings were at R$ 3.000 (US$ 1,500), Nasser expressed through the navigator Eduardo Bampi (since Nasser doesnt speak Portuguese) that he was donating 20 thousand dollars to help the driver.
The excitement and applauses dominated the place. The driver, who is prince of Qatar, was ovationed, while Helena broke down in tears, moved. As a royal member, he was carried to the stage by his friends, and received a warm hug from Helena and Josi.
Emotion I have never been through such moving moment in my life, he made this donation, and said he wants to see us in the next edition of the rally. There was, at this moment, also a breakup with prejudice, about a feminine team in the rally, commented Helena. I cant forget to say that Josi was much more than a navigator, she was a true partner, a warrior at all times, said the driver, who wishes to partner with Josi again next Sertões.
The auction was finalized by Clayton Pinteiro, president of the Brazilian Automobile Federation (CBA), with R$ 3.100 (US$ 1,550). He also renounced the prize, and asked that it be donated to charity.
It was an unexpected ending to Sertões International Rally, but one that will stay in the memoires of those who were present at the prizing party.
Este texto foi escrito por: Webventure
Last modified: julho 5, 2009
