A symbolic gesture of great moral significance was made at the improvised memorial at the bandstand of the Promenade des Anglais by the sports community of Nice: the laying of a wreath in Olympic colors on the same day as the opening ceremony of the Rio Games in memory of the athletes who lost their lives in the July 14th attack.
“They were not champions but simple enthusiasts,” said Philippe Manassero, president of the Departmental Olympic Sports Committee (CDOS) and the initiator of the event. “On this day when young athletes gather in Rio, we wanted to perform this gesture for those who can no longer enjoy sports.”
About a hundred officials and athletes were present, their eyes moist, in a climate of general emotion.
The values of sports solidarity were once again honored by this gesture: how can we not thank and congratulate all those who participated?
