The Alpes-Maritimes department organized on Thursday, September 3rd the third edition of its Garden Party Sport to launch the Côte d’Azur sports season. A friendly evening bringing together professional clubs, high-level athletes, volunteers and local elected officials.
This evening was above all placed under the sign of celebration. The many athletes present, such as Alice Modolo and Stephen Roche, were presented by Charles Ange Ginésy, president of the Alpes-Maritimes departmental council, and warmly applauded by the crowd. The occasion also to bring together 14 professional clubs, ranging from OGC Nice to the Antibes Sharks via Nissa Rugby, but also all the actors of Maralpine sports up to amateur clubs.
The Sports Ambassadors 06 from the 2024 and 2025 promotions were honored, alongside their sponsor Marc Raquil, an emblematic figure of French athletics. Charles Ange Ginésy took the opportunity to recall the extent of departmental support for local sports: “On a daily basis, the department stands alongside more than 600 sports committees and associations, which keep practice alive in the municipalities and contribute to the territory’s dynamism.“
Benoît Kandel, deputy mayor of Nice in charge of sports, also welcomed the diversity of sports practices in the territory: “There are exceptional athletes in all disciplines, whether it’s able-bodied sports, adapted sports, sports for volunteers, professional sports, sports in the sea and sports in the mountains.”
Para-sports fully integrated into the celebration
Among the representatives of clubs present, Christophe Carlier, captain of the Cannet Hornets in wheelchair basketball, welcomed the place given to para-sports at this event: “It’s a really great showcase for sports in general, we’re very happy to be here and to be part of this family at this Garden Party.” He also welcomed the full inclusion of his discipline: “It shows that there is good momentum around sports and that at that moment, there are no more barriers, no more disabilities.“
After a year marked by a French Cup victory, the Cannet Hornets are approaching the new season with the same ambitions. “We always have the same objectives, to finish first, to sweep all the stakes and lift as many trophies as possible“, affirms the captain enthusiastically. Their season will resume on October 3rd with a trip to Bordeaux.
A moment of sharing
Beyond the speeches, the evening was punctuated by many activities: pétanque courts, basketball, e-sports area, artistic procession… An opportunity for many young people present to meet athletes and clubs, and discover new disciplines in a friendly atmosphere.
Charles Ange Ginésy highlights the heritage dimension of sports: “Like the baton of an Olympic relay, sports are passed down here from generation to generation. Tonight, we celebrate a heritage, a collective memory that has made the Alpes-Maritimes one of the greatest lands of sport.“
Ten million euros for the future of Côte d’Azur sports
This Garden Party is part of a broader ambition pursued by the Department: the Sports Plan 2028, endowed with nearly ten million euros. This initiative aims to make sports a genuine lever for influence, health and cohesion for all Maralpins.
It is structured around several priorities, such as supporting the sports movement and local associative network, developing health sports and para-sports, supporting high-level performance, promoting outdoor sports, as well as the ecological transition of the sports sector.
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