The upcoming General Assembly of the CDOS 06 (Olympic and Sports Departmental Committee of the Alpes-Maritimes) will also be the one where the Executive Committee and its President are renewed. Jean-Paul Serra, the outgoing president, is a candidate for re-election. He will have to “win” (in the sports sense of the term) against Philippe Manassero, president of the Union of Nice Basketball Societies and former international referee. The stakes are high, and the rivalry between the two men is intense, even though fair play prevails. Olympism obliges!
Nice Premium: You are the outgoing president, and you are a candidate for your own re-election. Can you explain to our readers why you made this decision?
Jean-Paul Serra: I am running for re-election because I haven’t finished the work that I started nearly 22 years ago to develop the CDOS06.
NP: Haven’t you considered leaving this heavy task to others after several terms? Do you know your opponent, and do you have any criticisms to express about him?
JPS: In my opinion, the role of the President of the CDOS is important and takes a lot of time, but I am retired, and moreover, it is a close-knit team that has been working with me for years.
You speak of an opponent for the presidency of the CDOS, I have just discovered him. He has been a member of various associations, his work and availability have never been appreciated, and he has been excluded each time. I have no ill will towards him, but it should be known that he is campaigning by trying to poach members from my own board.
NP: What report will you present to the GA and the voters? And the program for the next term?
JPS: The report is very positive. I took over the destiny of the CDOS in 1990, there was nothing, no resources. Currently, the CDOS is a well-functioning machine with 5 employees, animation equipment (Podium Car, sound systems, efficient communication network, assistance, and expertise for the Committees and Clubs of the Department). Aid for creation, technical assistance for numerous events. The goal is to provide quality tools to sports structures at a reduced cost. I will present the program for the next term exclusively to the CDOS members during Thursday’s GA.
NP: What are your greatest successes? And the missed goals?
JPS: The greatest successes over the years are the development of resources toward the Departmental sports world, the significant and growing number of events, the development of communication, the creation of a newspaper, a website, and a newsletter, the increasing demand for help in organizing events.
Only one goal has not been achieved to date, and that is the “Departmental Sports House.”
NP: If elected, do you foresee any changes in your team compared to the current one?
JPS: The team will be slightly modified due to some members leaving for personal reasons, but others will join us; it will be a team of 21 people plus the doctor.
NP: Are you confident about the outcome of this election?
JPS: I am confident about the outcome, but it’s an election. We shall see!
