Christian Estrosi and Eric Ciotti inaugurated last Friday the new sports complex on Rue des Serruriers in Old Nice. A sports space for all young people but also new facilities for the Nice Wrestling Club with the renovation of the Henri Deglane Hall.
First to speak was Sรฉbastien Giaume, President of the Nice Wrestling Club, founded in 1956. He reminisces with emotion on the great achievements of, as he likes to call them, “his children”. He wishes to acknowledge the support of the governing bodies: “I thank the General and Regional Council for their help for such a modest sport”. Louis-Xavier Michel, President of the La Semeuse Association, follows suit: “This renovation delights us all. Everyone should feel at home”. He also thanks the General Council and the City of Nice for their involvement in this project.
On the political side, Eric Ciotti and Christian Estrosi take their turn to speak. The Deputy of the Alpes-Maritimes regards the sports complex as a sign of the “Long and beautiful history of La Semeuse and the Old Town. It was an opportunity to give a new youth to the Henri Deglane Hall.” For the elected official, wrestling “conveys respect for the opponent, self-overcoming. Important values in our societies.” He believes that the residents’ comfort should also be considered as this venue should not become a source of nuisance. To conclude, Eric Ciotti presents the Departmental Medal to Cynthia Vescan, French wrestling champion a few weeks ago.
Lastly, Christian Estrosi speaks before the assembly of municipal councilors and young athletes: “We feel like Niรงois here. The objective was to revitalize a segment of sport.” He particularly congratulates the work of La Semeuse and the initiative of Romain who approached Dominique Estrosi-Sassone to present the renovation project of the precinct: “The Niรงois should know that it is thanks to you that all this could come to life. Wrestling has become one of the most publicized and prestigious ancient disciplines.”
Finally, the Deputy Mayor reminisces about his childhood, mentioning his father Rolland Estrosi, former President of the weightlifting club. He recalls fond memories of Rue Saint-Joseph where he spent his youth at number 12. One of his neighbors at number 15 was none other than Mr. Morena, former President of the wrestling club. Christian Estrosi ends his speech by expressing hope to see Nice’s colors represented again on the podiums of 2013.
