The Niçoise Association of Cultural and Sports Initiatives (ANICES) celebrated its 9th anniversary on July 24th. Founded in 2007 by its current president Sébastien Filippini, the association aims to develop sports and the cultural domain for those with motor and sensory disabilities, as well as for able-bodied persons. It is a major promoter of parasports in the PACA region and in the country more generally. On the occasion of this anniversary, Sébastien Filippini agreed to answer our questions.
What was your background before creating the ANICES association?
Before becoming the head of ANICES, I was a Torball player, passionate about my sport!
What is Torball?
Torball is a sound-based ball sport for visually impaired people that has been open to sighted individuals since 2007.
The ANICES association was created in 2007, where did the idea come from?
Initially, I wanted to develop Torball, make this sport known to a large number of people, and organize events in Nice.
How did it go in the beginning, was it difficult, or did everything fall into place rather quickly?
Everything fell into place well, on my path I met the right people who believed in this project and helped me develop ANICES.
Can you tell us a bit about the activities offered by the association, I saw that your target audience is quite extensive, regardless of age, gender, or degree of disability?
Absolutely, our sports and activities are open to everyone (sensory, motor disabilities…) regardless of age and gender.
Here are the sports we offer:
– Torball
– Parasnowboard
– Tandem cycling
– Athletics
– Blind tennis
– Showdown (table tennis for the blind)
– Hiking
– Fitness
– Swimming
– Table tennis
We offer our sports for leisure and competition.
Your association holds many titles, in which disciplines and competitions?
Our athletes regularly make our club’s colors shine both nationally and internationally, it’s a true pride for us!
Recently, we can mention the N2 French Championship title for the Men’s A Torball team, the silver medal for the second reserve Men’s Torball team in the N5 Challenge, and the bronze medal for the women in the N3 Challenge.
In parasnowboard, two French Championship titles for: Maxime Montaggioni and Patrice Barattero.
In showdown: Jean-Philippe Lafaille, D2 runner-up.
All ANICES athletes who wear the red and black colors do so with passion and dedication, whether in official competitions or for the thrill of pushing their limits, as seen in road races organized in the department where we frequently find athletes in wheelchairs or with visual impairments.
How many volunteers work with you?
Thirty.
How many members do you have? Are they all from Nice?
Our 172 members mainly come from Nice and the department but also from all over France as we organize events that help us get known nationwide, like the sliding course (parasail, parasnow, etc.) for disabled people that took place in Auron.
Do you work with partners?
Yes, we are fortunate to have various financial partners such as the City of Nice, the Departmental Council, the Regional Council, and many private partners.
Do you often travel internationally for your association? If so, for what purposes?
Yes, within the framework of our sports trips, across Europe.
Are there many other associations at your level in France?
Other associations work similarly to us, by developing parasports for everyone.
Has your association received any awards or recognition during its nine years of existence?
No, no awards to date for the association, it is the athletes through their achievements who shine our club colors and offer us local, national, and international recognition.
What main message do you consistently share during your activities?
Sport is open to everyone, whether they have sensory or motor disabilities, everyone can participate in sports!
Thibault Bourru
