Nice-Premium: You are organizing the 4th edition of the Challenge of the Heart next Saturday and Sunday. Can you tell us how this event was born?
Claude Israël: This event was created and initiated by Gilles Veissière, the current deputy in charge of sports for the city. His desire to associate sports with a charitable cause appealed to us, and as such, we decided to support him in this challenge. Previous editions have honored Solidarsport, then the association Neuf de Coeur by Jean Pierre Papin, the Restos du Coeur sponsored by Franck Sauzée, and this year, the Abbé Pierre Foundation with the prestigious participation of Didier Deschamps.
NP: You include a charitable action with this tournament. This year you are going to support the Abbé Pierre Foundation. How was this choice made?
CI: To remain consistent with previous associations, it was necessary to find a noble and recognized structure. The Abbé Pierre Foundation perfectly fits this profile, and we gladly approved this wonderful proposal from Gilles Veissière.
NP: Let’s talk about the Challenge of the Heart. How many handball players will set foot in the Eucalyptus and Dufy gyms? Who will participate in this competition?
CI: Approximately sixty teams are expected, which means around 500 young people from the Alpes-Maritimes, the Var, and a delegation of about fifty young people from the Morteau club in the Doubs, whom we are honoring this year as part of inter-club relations.
NP: Let’s talk about your club’s journey and review the season. What will you take away from the 2007-2008 season? What were the highlights?
CI: The results are more than positive. There has been an increase in the number of members. All youth categories have been represented in the different championships and circuits: from the baby hand section to National 3, allowing us to be honored by the federal authorities with a bronze label. The highlight was obviously our women’s team gaining access to National 2.
NP: What are your projects and objectives for the next season?
CI: The main objective is to establish our structure at the youth level. Our handball school should be dynamic and efficient. The advancement of our women’s team to National 1 must quickly become a reality. It is also important to professionalize the administrative and accounting sector.
NP: To conclude, a few words about handball in Nice. What does the city need for a club to join the elite of this sport?
CI: Several parameters need to be met: municipal willingness, the financial and structural means that go with it, and a serious and rigorous club that harmoniously implements both the sports and administrative aspects.
