On Wednesday, the award ceremony was held to honor the swimmers of Olympique Nice Natation at the Jean Bouin pool.
This was a way to recognize a high-level 2015-2016 season for the club, with 40 titles and 52 podium finishes both nationally and internationally.
The club president, Jean Monnot, emphasized “the importance of such a ceremony for the club,” as it allows for the recognition of accomplished swimmers, but more generally, everyone: “the 2,500 members.”
He also took the opportunity to thank the staff at the Jean Bouin pool, who work behind the scenes throughout the year, but without whom, the club would not be what it is today.
About a hundred spectators were present, mainly children and teenagers, accompanied by their families. Jean Monnot and Richard Papazian, the club’s general manager, were responsible for giving out the awards to the swimmers. The prizes, sponsored by their partners, included clothing, meals at La Rotonde or Le Méridien, and trophies.
At the top of the list of awardees were the swimmers and coaches who participated in the Rio Olympic Games, notably Charlotte Bonnet, a finalist in the 200m freestyle and the 4x100m relay with the French team. Also mentioned was Fabrice Pellerin, assistant coach of the French team during the Games.
At the end of this ceremony, spectators enjoyed a pleasant moment with the club’s stars and their friends over a galette des rois.
There was a very family-like atmosphere in the club, and this little treat was, of course, a big hit with the many children present.
