Without a stopwatch or podium, but with hundreds of smiles: T’Cap is much more than a triathlon. In Nice, this event invites everyone to push their limits at their own pace, in a festive and supportive atmosphere.
Swimming, cycling, running… but above all smiles, mutual aid, and customizable challenges. On Sunday, June 22, 2025, the Promenade des Anglais is preparing to host a sports event like no other: “T’Cap”, the first triathlon for everyone. Starting at 9 a.m., over 500 participants, accompanied by 200 volunteers, will embark on the adventure, regardless of their age, level, or disability. Here, there is no stopwatch, no ranking, but a desire to make sports a ground for diversity and equality. Organized on the Quai des États-Unis, the event adapts to everyone’s abilities: adjustable courses, adapted equipment, personalized support, lively charity village… everything is designed so that each person, whether child, senior, able-bodied or with a disability, can proudly say: “I can too!”. Interview with Vivien Fontaine, president of “T’Cap”.
What inspired you to create “T’Cap”?
“It resonates with my professional environment, being in the social health sector. I had to convince companies, sports associations, and health stakeholders to be more inclusive, especially with people with disabilities. However, on the ground, I noticed a harsh reality: sports events like triathlons were almost exclusively reserved for the able-bodied. This was completely against my convictions. In 2019, while preparing for the Nice Ironman, I thought, along with a few friends: ‘What if we created an event where everyone could participate, regardless of their level, abilities, or vulnerabilities?’ A triathlon to convince society that other models are possible. That’s how ‘T’Cap’ was born.”
What does the name “T’Cap” mean?
We absolutely wanted to avoid a name that emphasized disability. It’s not an event for disabled people, it’s a triathlon with everyone, in true diversity. The name came as a playful nod to the schoolyard: “Are you capable or not?” It’s about ability, daring, and willpower. Our motto is: “Whatever they tell you, you’re capable.” It’s a powerful message, addressing everyone, not just those perceived as different.
Have you seen attitudes change thanks to “T’Cap”?
Yes, undeniably. We have always refused to sensitize about disability in the classical sense. We are not interested in what people cannot do, but in what they can do, their own challenge. I remember a sixth-grade student who told me: “Maybe we would be less afraid if we saw them more often.” Many people with severe disabilities are deprived of freedom. “T’Cap” allows them to exist in public space.
What are you expecting from this 4th edition?
Smiles. Hundreds of smiles. Seeing 500 people push themselves together, help each other, encourage each other, it’s immense joy. There are incredible stories: one participant, without any diagnosed disability, had never dared to sign up for a triathlon. Thanks to “T’Cap,” she ventured… and is now licensed in a club. We also welcome elderly people, even very old ones! At “T’Cap,” sports become a space of connection again. It’s essential, especially in our current era.
How do you make the events accessible to all types of disabilities?
We rethink everything: signage, accessible toilets, changing tables for dependent children or adults. But above all, we allow each person to define their own challenge. It can be a few meters of swimming, a few kilometers of cycling… It’s not the distance that counts, but the courage to try. About thirty specially trained volunteers are there to support those who need it.
Can you tell us about the equipment made available?
We have everything: pool noodles for those who want them, support nets, towed kayaks, adult or child tandems, pushing bikes, MTC wheelchairs that attach to a bike’s handlebars… Everything is designed to enable participation. I want to thank the City of Nice, which has supported us for four years. Its commitment is total: technical services, cleaning, logistics, political support… Without them, we couldn’t continue. Equally essential is the role of the doctor, Dr. Sandra Salamon. Many participants don’t dare to start because their treating doctor refuses to issue a medical certificate. On the day, she is on the field, supporting participants throughout the course.
What’s next? How do you envision “T’Cap” in five or ten years?
We are still a young association, but we have a lot of ideas. Our dream is to see “T’Cap” inspire other events: why not a “T’Cap” label for all projects that dare to break the mould? We are discussing with Bordeaux, Rennes… The idea would be to co-organize or support other initiatives, always in the spirit of truly inclusive sports. And in Nice, we hope to one day collaborate with major events such as the Prom’Classic or even the Ironman, to add a “T’Cap” touch. We are ready, we have the energy.”
