From Kilometers to Impact:
Meet the Winners of ABBYY's Summer Challenge

As the world watched the elite athletes compete in Paris for the Olympic Games this summer, ABBYY’s own athletes were championing health, teamwork, and philanthropy in their own way.

Our annual “ABBYY Summer Challenge” event, spanning from mid-June to mid-August, saw employees from over 13 global locations coming together in a friendly competition that celebrated fitness, teamwork, and philanthropy. Over the course of two months, ABBYY employees participated in a variety of sports, including running, cycling, walking, and swimming, using a mobile app to track their progress and support each other.

The challenge wasn't just about personal achievement; it was also a chance to contribute to a greater cause. This year, ABBYY chose Girl Up, an initiative dedicated to advancing equity and leadership development for girls and women in underrepresented spaces. For every kilometer tracked in the competition, ABBYY made a donation to Girl Up, blending physical activity with impactful charitable giving.

We sat down with this year’s winners to reflect on their experiences and what made this challenge special.

 

Katalin Balint

Admin Assistant, Hungary

 

 

Katalin, the winner of the women’s running category, brought her passion for running to the forefront of the Summer Challenge. A seasoned runner, Katalin is also a key organizer for the ABBYY Budapest office, coordinating the team’s participation in various competitions such as the Ultrabalaton, a 211km team relay race.

“What I loved most about the Summer Challenge was how it pushed me to run in new and unfamiliar locations, especially during the early morning hours due to the heat wave,” Katalin shared. “Since I’m frequently away from my hometown in the summer, running led me to explore roads I wouldn’t normally take. Popular cities and small towns reveal a whole new character in the early morning light, which is always a pleasure to experience. I also enjoyed connecting with my colleagues and fostering team spirit, which made the experience even more rewarding.”

 

Anna Grashchenkova

Head of Skills Development and Data Management, Hungary

 

 

Anna, who took top honors in the women’s cycling category, was motivated by both personal and professional reasons. “Participating in the Summer Challenge allowed me to merge my regular workout routine with a cause that I care about deeply,” Anna said. “I was inspired by our company’s decision to support an organization that promotes women in leadership positions. This initiative is important, especially in a predominantly male industry.”

When asked if she’d recommend the challenge to other colleagues, Anna told us, “Absolutely, I would recommend participating in the Summer Challenge to everyone. It’s a great way to set and achieve personal goals, see improvement in your pace, and stay active. Moreover, it feels rewarding to contribute to a cause that promotes equal opportunities for women. It’s a motivating experience that combines fitness with a meaningful impact.”

 

Yuliia Sedakova

Deal Desk Specialist, Ukraine

 

 

For Yuliia, the winner of the women’s walking challenge, the event was a chance to integrate into the team and stay active. “As a newcomer, the Summer Challenge was a fantastic way to connect with my colleagues and stay active,” Yuliia noted. “Walking helped me organize my thoughts and provided a refreshing break from daily tasks. Knowing that my efforts contributed to a charitable cause gave me a profound sense of purpose. Regular walking also improved my physical health and well-being, enhancing my overall productivity and reducing stress.”

 

Pavlo Poliahushko

Director of Scaled Customer Success, USA

 

 

Pavlo, who won the men’s swimming competition and placed in the top 10 across all four disciplines, enjoyed the variety and challenge of the competition. “I joined the Summer Challenge to push my limits and try new activities,” Pavlo shared. “Adding swimming to my routine was a fun way to diversify my training. The variety kept my workouts interesting, and being part of a supportive ABBYY community was a significant motivator.”

Pavlo set a personal goal to improve his endurance and maintain a consistent training schedule in preparation for his first marathon. “I’ve noticed several positive changes in my health and well-being, including increased energy and improved fitness levels,” he said. “Participating in all four disciplines helped me stay focused and motivated, and it was a great way to prepare for my goal of running a marathon in the near future.”

 

Catherine Barr

Solution Development Representative, USA

Catherine, winner of the swimming competition in the women’s category, enjoyed her second time participating in the Summer Challenge. When asked what motivated her to join, Catherine shared, “I love swimming in my pool in the summer, and when I know that my efforts are going to help a charitable organization, it makes me feel even better.”

She emphasized the importance of participating in the challenge, saying, “This is for a very worthwhile cause first and foremost, but the health benefits of getting exercise cannot be underestimated, or ignored. There is really no reason why not to participate in the ABBYY summer challenges!”.

 

The ABBYY commitment

The ABBYY Summer Challenge 2024 has once again demonstrated the exceptional spirit and dedication of our global team. We believe that doing the right thing extends beyond everyday business; it encapsulates fostering a culture where teamwork enhances our collective impact. As leaders in our field, we are dedicated to setting an example, showcasing that when we work together towards shared goals, we not only contribute to ABBYY’s success but also make substantial strides towards social equity and community betterment. We congratulate all participants and winners for their enthusiasm and dedication. We look forward to continuing this tradition and seeing how our community will rise to new challenges in the future.

Curious about what makes ABBYY a great place to work and want to explore job opportunities? Visit abbyy.com/careers to learn more.