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Communicator, trainer and mentor who turns the development of thinking into an interesting game. Founder of Klub für Denksport, a club where exercises for the mind are as exciting as sports for the body. Lily Bauer is fluent in several languages and helps others learn to think flexibly, boldly and in a new way. Since 2022, she has been actively working in Bern as a volunteer, supporting those who are starting from scratch. She believes that the mind is a superpower that can be developed every day. The day before, Lily and her daughter took part in the women's race in Bern and believes that such events are one of the opportunities to express themselves. At the race, Lily represented the Association “Ukraine Switzerland Bern”.
– You openly admit that you are not a runner. And yet you participate in races. Why?
To be completely honest, yes, I'm not a runner. I'm a sprinter, a performer. I've been figure skating since I was seven, and ice dancing since I was nine. Ballet, Latin American dances, pole dancing are my thing. But these "running one, two, five kilometers" are not mine at all. And yet I run. And it's a conscious choice. Now I'll explain why.
– This year you participated in the Frauenlauf Bern with your daughter. Why this race in particular?
In our family, supporting the running culture is already a tradition. Our main runner is my dad. He has been participating in the famous race in Basel every year since 2006. I have always supported him - even when I was pregnant. My husband and I have run the Grand Prix Bern several times, and three years ago we also included our daughter. And this year we ran the Family Mile together in May, and then I saw an advertisement for Frauenlauf - and I realized: it was time.
–What does participating in such a Is the women's race special?
Frauenlauf is about the power of women. We combine the roles of mothers, professionals, leaders, inspirers… And the sooner girls realize this power, the better. But not from the position of “you have to”, but from the position of “you can choose”. This is a very important experience for both me and my daughter. By the way, it was during the race that we had a difficult moment – Arina really missed her dad, she wanted him to run too. But he was waiting for us at the finish line. So this short distance became a real test. I supported Arina as best I could. It was difficult – but we managed.
-You ran in a T-shirt with the USB — Ukraine Schweiz Bern logo. Why this Association?
Because from the first days of the war I became a volunteer in Bern. I founded the Intellectual Club for Ukrainians — every week we play three rounds of the quiz, one of which is always dedicated to Switzerland: its culture, history, cuisine, etc. This is part of integration. We study the country we live in, and we do it with curiosity. The players of our club sometimes know more about Switzerland than the Swiss themselves! And it is very important to me that our association is recognized. Running with its logo is a way to say: “We are here. We are active. We are part of society.”
–And what does the participation of Ukrainians and other migrants in such mass events provide??
First of all, visibility. The Swiss are very open people. They come out to support the runners, both in the heat and in the rain. Some splash water, some hand out napkins, some just clap their hands. They read the names on the numbers and shout: “Come on, Lily! Come on, Arina!” — and it is infinitely inspiring. In such moments, you feel: you are not just a foreigner, you are part of this life. And it is important not just to participate, but to do it with dignity. With a message. With a story.
-So running is a way to tell the world about yourself?
That's right. It's a way to show that we're here. That we have a story worth hearing. It could be running, it could be music, art, any way of self-expression. But the main thing is to be. To move forward. Even when it's hard. Because at the finish line there will always be those who will appreciate not your time, but your desire to overcome yourself. Isn't that a real miracle?
