The partners met with the players of OGC Nice this Wednesday in one of the salons of the Palais de la Méditerranée casino. A moment of friendliness that brings the club closer to those who also participate in the daily life of the club.
In football, there’s what you see on the fields every Saturday and then there are the off-the-field activities. The players-partners meeting on Wednesday evening in a salon at the Casino Palais de la Méditerranée is precisely one of the club’s operations to bring together all components of the club. This annual event used to be held at Villa Masséna for the team’s presentation at the beginning of August. This year, the ambiance and setting changed. It was all about exchange and friendliness with 250 people representing 150 companies out of the 450 that are club partners.
“It’s natural to welcome partners, they are an integral part of the club, of the project. These kinds of events allow us to meet them, to be closer. This proximity is necessary,” explains President Jean-Pierre Rivère.
The program included an individual presentation of players followed by a speech from Claude Puel and then the President. For the rest of the evening, a plan thought out for nearly a month had the players spread across different tables in the salon. The aim: to see the partners meet the players rather than the other way around. A connection was quickly made between the Aiglons and the partners with personalized autographed cards and discussions on the Gym’s latest performances.
“It’s an excellent idea to host such an event. We can have closer contact with the people who support us daily. It’s not just about the field; it’s nice to chat with these partners, take a few photos,” rejoices midfielder Julien Vercauteren, who arrived this summer from Lierse (Belgium).
The preparation for the match against Reims was obviously on the players’ minds, who stayed for a good two hours. On the partners’ side, smiles and memories were abundant. A phone memory well filled after going around the tables where only Lloyd Palun (with Gabon) and Neal Maupay (injured ankle) were missing.
“This evening changes from our daily routine; it’s nice to get closer to people who participate in the club’s life. We can finally put faces and smiles to our supporters,” notes Xavier Pentecôte, a red and black attacker who has been injured for many months.
