260 associations gave an appointment to the people of Nice this Saturday.
It’s an opportunity to take a closer interest in certain associations.
The exhibiting associations range from sports to culture, social aid to health, the duty of memory to humanitarian work, leisure to education; they constitute an essential complement to local public action.
.
Today the number of stands amounts to 200 for 260 associations and 10,000 visitors in previous years.
The association fair has grown since its inception in 1997 when there were only 100 stands and 4,000 visitors.
Given the growing success of this event and the numerous requests from associations: with several stands being shared, it is planned to increase the fair’s capacity from 200 to 250 stands for 2012.
The stand of the city of Nice presented the association portal, which is gaining importance.
Christian Estrosi, the mayor of Nice, and Eric Ciotti, the president of the General Council, inaugurated the 15th edition of the association gathering. They received flower necklaces and were able to admire a Haka demonstration.
The opportunity to discuss the inauguration of an Overseas Associations House by Nice Côte d’Azur by the end of the year. It will be the only one in the region.
The mayor and the president of the General Council then visited each of the associations. It’s worth remembering that Nice has 30,000 volunteers: “1 in 10 people from Nice is part of an association,” observed Christian Estrosi.
Through the aisles of the exhibition palace, 5 colors represented categories of associations: world culture, social health humanitarian, sports, cultural leisure, and citizenship proximity.
Animations were organized all day to present cultures and sports associations.
Promote
Among the overseas collective was present the association “Caresse des Antilles” [[Les résidences les fleurs, route de Cannes, building Rose, 06130 Grasse, 04 97 21 10 01]] based in Grasse, which promotes Caribbean culture and facilitates cultural exchanges between mainland France and the community of the French overseas departments and territories since 1991. It organizes folklore shows and buffets among others.
Support
The association “Accueil Femmes Solidarité” [[81 rue de France – office 224, 06000 Nice, accueilfemmesbattues.chez.tiscali.fr]] wants to make its voice heard. Created in 1980, it supports, welcomes, and assists women victims of domestic violence. A psychologist listens to these women. Lawyers also provide legal assistance. Help is also administrative or in terms of finding housing and work. The association has 5 employees and 5 volunteers. Its members help an average of 500 women per year.
Fight
As for the association “Epilogue” [[2 rue Fenogli de Briga, building 10, staircase 15, 06300 Nice, associationepilogue.free.fr]], it fights against illiteracy. Created in 1998, it encourages children to progress in reading and writing through playful activities. Souhaila explains: “we go to schools in the St-Charles district and intervene from kindergarten to middle school.” Michael adds: “we go to schools after classes and work with them in small groups to monitor their progress.”
Protect
The association “Alliance Pour le Respect et la Protection des Animaux” [[10 rue Sorgentino, 06000 Nice, arpa-animaux.com]] has existed for 20 years. It conducts investigations, rescues, and veterinary operations. The association lacks volunteers and funding but continues to exist.
Exert
The association “La Gym Suédoise Nice” [[gymsuedoise.com]] offers standard and moderate level courses for everyone. A session lasts 1 hour and includes warm-up, stretching, strength training, cardio, running, stretching, then relaxation, all to the rhythm of engaging music. “It’s not bad for the joints or the back; a doctor created it,” explains Cécilia. “The club has existed since September 2009 and has 150 annual members,” adds Eric.
