The general assembly of the CDOS was an opportunity for representatives of all 72 sports federations to review the activities of the elected officials in 2009. The speech of the president, Jean-Paul Serra, was rather brief and characterized by an inventory nature. In contrast, the address of the general secretary Jérome Vandamme seemed more convincing. He had the merit of introducing information regarding potential international openings that European Directive 175/2009 provides in the context of funding for international and cross-border cooperation programs. Will the CDOS 06 become an active player in this new opportunity in the near future?
The presentation of the annual accounts was the task to which the general treasurer Didier Chiarla applied himself with professional competence. This allowed the delegates to note a positive result of 11,000 euros between income and expenses based on 372,000 euros compared to 345,000 euros in 2008. The three reports were unanimously approved, even though one might regret the total lack of debate: no one spoke or addressed questions to the speakers.
The final word went to regional president Alain Koubi. With a very passionate style, he warned sports leaders about the potential consequences of the upcoming reform of local authorities. In its current form, it could deprive the sports movement of public funding due to the removal of the general interest clause in the mission currently assigned to general and regional councils: a sort of death sentence decreed by the law itself! While waiting for the public authorities to reverse a decision clearly lacking in common sense, a friendship drink concluded an evening that leaves many questions unanswered. The delegates then regained some vigor after the apathy displayed during the proceedings.
However, doubt remains regarding the absence of a high-quality strategic programming for sports in the Azur region. It should be noted that the next national congress of CROS, CDOS, CTOS will take place in Nice on the 8th and 9th of October. We will certainly have the opportunity to revisit, before this date, the topics that will be addressed during this event with president Jean-Paul Serra. For him, after 20 years in office, organizing this congress could be the ‘swan song’ of a well-filled career as a sports leader.
Comments by Renato Tullio Ferrari
