Start of the Powerful Female Athlete Conference. A large crowd, including officials, athletes, and leaders, gathered at the Mamac for the “Powerful Female Athlete” conference.
Bernard Maccario, president of the Coubertin Circle of the Alpes-Maritimes, donned his presenter jacket to bring out the deepest emotions of the speakers, whose careers, though varied in their paths, were united by a common thread: sport and the values it carries.
Olympic and Paralympic medalists Émilie Fer, Céline Bousrez, and leaders Dominique Peronnet, Sophie Chippon, as well as Anny Courtade—considered one of the greatest leaders in French sports for having presided over the highly successful Cannes women’s volleyball club for over 25 years before taking over the football club of the same city—shared their personal stories with the audience, highlighting the most significant moments of their sports and professional journeys, along with their memories of joy and disappointment.
All emphasized passion and commitment as the keys to their success, often achieved in unfavorable circumstances.
In these times, when gender parity has become an indispensable value of the Olympic spirit, remembering the path taken and the cultural obstacles overcome is a duty of transmission for younger generations.
The success of this evening calls for more events like this—aptly summarized by its organizer, Philippe Manassero, president of CDOS06 and advisor to CNOSF: sport is not just practice and competition, but also culture.
