Laurence Tiennot-Herment, President of AFM-Téléthon: “Every year, at the beginning of December, millions of citizens mobilize to participate in the extraordinary adventure of the Téléthon. Thanks to this exceptional popular momentum, the AFM-Téléthon has driven innovative and creative research. A bold movement that has revolutionized the understanding of genes responsible for rare diseases and has led to the development of innovative therapies, applicable to both rare and common diseases. Together with you, we are ushering in the era of developing treatments that will benefit the greatest number of people.
Go faster, further, take speed into account, demonstrate even more audacity and innovation, and banish the words “impossible” and “incurable” from our vocabulary. In short: DARE TO WIN!”
Nice has been chosen to be one of the four ambassador cities in France, in partnership with AFM-Téléthon and France Télévision.
The three other cities are: Dreux, Moissac, Saint-Paul (Réunion)
Organized for several years in Garibaldi Square and in all neighborhoods of the city, the Téléthon will exceptionally move this year to Pierre Gautier Square, the Quai des Etats-Unis, and the beach, where all activities will be grouped together.
Each year, Nice actively participates in the Téléthon: in 2010, 351,166 euros were raised, and in 2011, 367,497 euros were raised.
This year, during two days, the people of Nice will be in the spotlight and share the festive atmosphere and local traditions.
The AFM-Téléthon’s fight is about life—about the best ways to preserve it, prolong it through research, and find the best ways to live with illness and suffering.
More than 100 associations have already proposed events in response to a call for projects launched by the City to accompany the popular and community celebration, including a gourmet operation “12 hours of cooking” with Top Chef contestants Noémie Honiat and Norbert Tarayre, accompanied by Franck Viano, winner of the Nice edition of the show “Un dîner presque parfait,” as well as organizing a continuous event “24 hours of cycling and running,” over a duration of 24 hours involving cycling, walking, and running from Friday, December 7 at 6:30 PM to Saturday, December 8 at 6:30 PM.
The operation, launched in 2011 with very difficult weather conditions due to rain, saw 700 cyclists cover 29,200 km, and 4,300 euros were donated to the AFM.
The sponsors who will participate in the cycling start are: Fabien BAREL, World Champion in Mountain Biking, Stéphane DIAGANA, World Champion in the 400m hurdles, Charly Bérard
