-* The first handisport club in Alpes Maritimes, the A.N.I.C.E.S association is a stronghold for disabled sports in France. The club is managed voluntarily by Sébastien Filippini and his army of volunteers. From amateur profiles to professional athletes, they are all united by the desire to surpass themselves.
Created in July 2007, A.N.I.C.E.S has several sections. The Tandem and cycling category includes five to six riders.
With Benjamin Landier as a flag-bearer. Recent world champion in duathlon in Nancy, he joined the Nice-based structure in 2010. An undeniable asset for the association. “We entered another dimension, it’s a great showcase for disabled sports and the club, even though we had to consider the budget with this prestigious arrival,” notes Sébastien Filippini.
Not called for the London Paralympics despite a second place in the world rankings, Benjamin Landier is aiming for the Rio Games in 2016.
Another popular athlete, Patrice Barattero, is responsible for the snowboard and multisport section. Amputated in one leg, he is in the running to participate in the Sochi Winter Paralympics in para-snowboard. He is in charge of fitness classes, giving 1.5 hours per week in a gym lent by the city. Proof that the association has multiple facets.
The table tennis, Torball, and athletics sections complete the A.N.I.C.E.S club’s program. Ten table tennis players train regularly, including four visually impaired. “They identify the ball thanks to its color,” adds Sébastien Filippini.
In terms of Torball, 30 members are part of it. With female, male, and youth sections, all categories are represented. Finally, in athletics, Nathalie Cuny, newly arrived with the creation of the section, is the French champion in the 10 km road race. A true feat for this young woman whose first competition was in the non-able-bodied category.
To survive financially, the association receives grants from the city of Nice and the General Council. Alongside these sporting activities, A.N.I.C.E.S regularly organizes meetings in schools to raise awareness among young students about disabilities. 2,000 children in the region have been introduced to disabled sports.
But schools are not the only acts for the handisport structure. This Friday, the members of the men’s Torball team will play a match at the Grasse prison against 12 inmates chosen based on their records.
A true human and social initiative. Reflecting the mindset of the Nice-based association.
