Last weekend, the city of Assen in the Netherlands hosted the Canonballs Tournament 2025. This international event brings together players of Showdown, a paddle sport designed for visually impaired individuals. The ANICES association from Nice was represented by three athletes: Laurie-Anne Gonzales Rivière, Jérémy, and Bernard.
For three days, participants competed around the Showdown tables. The athletes from Nice took part in intense matches against opponents from all over Europe. Laurie-Anne Gonzales Rivière, a visually impaired athlete, played her matches with determination. On the first day, she distinguished herself with four victories and only one defeat. This performance advanced her to the quarterfinals.
Facing a Spanish player, she found the necessary resources to turn the match around. Her coach praised her performance: “she managed to turn the tables…”. This victory propelled her into the semi-finals.
With encouragement from her coach, teammates, and association members, she played her last match of the tournament energetically. At the end of this contest, she secured third place, earning the bronze medal. A reward for her commitment and efforts throughout the competition.
Jérémy and Bernard also put up a good fight. After several closely contested matches, they ranked 11th and 19th place respectively. Their competitive spirit contributed to representing the Nice club on this international stage.
The president of the association, Sébastien Filippini, highlights the importance of this visibility: Nice’s parasports deserve to reach a wider audience. These performances remind us that the discipline, still not widely known, allows visually impaired athletes to fully express themselves on the field.
With this medal, Laurie-Anne Gonzales Rivière adds another milestone to her journey. The ANICES association continues with its mission: to support its members and promote parasports to the largest audience possible.
