Goodwill Pharma – For us, Subotica and the Subotica Half Marathon are extremely important
Goodwill Pharma is one of the fastest-growing pharmaceutical companies in Europe, with over 25 years of experience in the production and distribution of medicines and supplements. The company’s headquarters are in Szeged, Hungary. With a view to further development on the market of south-eastern Europe, Goodwill Pharma d.o.o. was founded in Serbia in 2003, with its seat in Subotica. Goodwill currently has around 100 employees. Goodwill Pharma d.o.o., based in Subotica, was founded exactly 20 years ago, so this year the company is also celebrating a very significant jubilee.
“On that development path, one of the key stages was certainly the opening of a state-of-the-art factory for the production of medicines and dietary supplements, which happened at the end of 2019 in Subotica. In this way we wanted to contribute directly to the further development of Subotica’s economy by creating new jobs. Subotica is extremely important to us. As part of the community, we take our role responsibly and work with dedication on its development. One of the ways is certainly very active support for various sporting, cultural and humanitarian events at city level,” says Ana Marić, marketing manager of Goodwill Pharma d.o.o., adding that the greatest value of any company is certainly its employees. In that sense, besides providing good working conditions, it is very important to organise team-building activities from time to time, with the aim of employees getting to know each other better, strengthening the team spirit and improving mutual communication. In her words, sport is certainly the link that connects people best, and rafting, skiing or running are just some of the activities on the programmes of the joint trips that Goodwill organises for its employees every year.
“We proudly point out that Goodwill has been a partner of the Subotica Half Marathon from the very beginning, an event that has over time grown into the biggest sporting event of our city, bringing together culture, sport and tourism. Our support over all these years has not been only financial. Behind this partnership is also the effort to take an active part in the organisation, promotion and realisation of this event. As at all previous half marathons, this year too a Goodwill stand awaits all participants, where they can taste our supplements free of charge, which will help them increase their sporting performance (Magnewill Rapid oral magnesium solution, Szent-Györgyi Albert vitamin C, Cartigel in case of muscle strain). For all participants of the marathon we have prepared special codes giving a discount on all our products in the ‘goodwill.rs’ web shop, and the best competitors can expect a gift of Goodwill products,” says Ana Marić, marketing manager of Goodwill Pharma d.o.o., stressing that the company and its employees are already looking forward to this year’s get-together. Asked whether she considers the participation of children and young people in the Subotica Half Marathon important and why, Marić says that in today’s time, when children spend a lot of time indoors at computers and smartphones, sporting events like this are more than necessary.
“As a native of Subotica and as a parent, I know from experience how much the Subotica Half Marathon is a gathering place for people who share the same values. Giving children the chance to socialise, compete and win a medal is immeasurable. These are all small successes that build and strengthen their character and influence their motivation for future successes,” says the marketing manager of Goodwill Pharma d.o.o.
Every year, Goodwill has its representatives in the 21-kilometre and 10-kilometre races. “Our colleagues, and colleagues from other cities, gladly respond to the invitation and eagerly wait to ‘Run through History’, enjoying the recognisable architecture, nature and hospitality that Subotica offers. Running is an integral part of all activities. We run every day at the pace dictated by the modern person’s lifestyle. Joking aside, this discipline certainly runs through all the sporting activities we organise,” says our interviewee, adding that running is very important for people because it contributes to their physical and mental health and is an excellent way to improve the cardiovascular system. Regular running strengthens the heart, improves blood circulation and lowers the risk of heart disease. It also helps maintain a healthy body weight, regulates blood sugar levels and improves the metabolism. Running, in her words, reduces stress, anxiety and depression, which in the end also has a positive effect on the mental health of every individual who practises this activity.
“The popularity of running lies in the simplicity and accessibility of this physical discipline. All you need is comfortable clothing and a pair of trainers, and it can be practised almost anywhere: in the park, on a track, in the street or on a treadmill in the gym. You can start running at any age. The only problem is the matter of will for those who have not yet ‘made themselves’ start. Experienced recreational runners say that once you start running recreationally, it becomes a habit practised with pleasure regardless of the weather. I believe that today’s technology has also contributed to the popularisation of running. Thanks to numerous smartphone apps, people track their progress, routes and running statistics, and proudly share them on social networks,” says Ana Marić, marketing manager of Goodwill Pharma d.o.o., who nevertheless attaches the greatest importance to running in nature and outdoors, because it is the healthiest for people.
Running as a sport does not require much equipment and uses no means that could pollute the environment, which is also very important.
“I believe that people who run are also aware of protecting the environment, and behave accordingly. It is a matter of mental hygiene. Caring for your health starts with body and spirit. We were all delighted by the news that Subotica will be a ‘European City of Sport’ next year. That is significant recognition of the rich sporting history that Subotica has. The Subotica Half Marathon, with its mass participation, has certainly drawn attention to our city and will most certainly be the central sporting event next year. Goodwill will certainly take an active part and make its contribution so that this promotion of the city is used to the full, and support for the organisation of the Subotica Half Marathon will not be lacking next year either,” are the words of Ana Marić, marketing manager of Goodwill Pharma d.o.o., a company that has been in our city for a full 20 years.