Death of Jean-Jacques Rey, the founder of the 4L Trophy

Lovers of desert and wide open spaces, Jean-Jacques Rey has given thousands of students the most beautiful journey of their lives.

The student raid 4L Trophy is the rebellious child of Jean-Jacques Rey, founder of the travel agency Désertours. During a bivouac with friends somewhere between Algeria and Mali on a reconnaissance trip, this passionate raid pilot realized he would have loved to experience such an adventure at 20 years old. The crazy project blooms in his fertile mind, and he quickly moves to test phases on Moroccan tracks aboard a legendary, versatile, and above all, inexpensive Renault 4L. In 1997, for the first edition, three valiant teams set off armed with a road book and a compass.

For the 26th edition, in 2023, over 1500 4L cars set off for this raid that is certainly sporting in nature, but above all human and humanitarian. A laid-back orientation rally dedicated to 18-28 year-olds of all nationalities that allowed them to venture to the Sahara dunes. After crossing Spain, this group of friends discovered Morocco, from Tangier to the Atlas, from Merzouga to Ouarzazate, from Tichka to Marrakech. More than just a trip, it is a unique life experience through a 12-day journey covering 6500 kilometers.

The human spirit above all else

The humanitarian aspect of the raid is a priority, and the teams participating in the 4L Trophy are invited to support the work of Children of the Desert by transporting material donations (school supplies and sports equipment) and by financially contributing to the school construction project. A way to leave a mark of their adventure in the daily lives of the desert schoolchildren.

Thanks to the financial support of the Trophy participants towards the association, 27 classrooms have been established, including a school for children with disabilities, and each year their material donations equip 20,000 children in the entire region. Discover here the solidarity report of the Trophy participants: https://enfantsdudesert.org/4l-trophy/

Mobiwisy offers its most sincere condolences to the family of Jean-Jacques Rey, to his friends, colleagues, and loved ones, and to all the trophy participants who are mourning their guide.