Whether at the Olympic or Paralympic Games or the World Championships, regional athletes shone in 2008. They amassed 15 medals in Beijing and no fewer than seven became world champions in diving, mountain biking, water skiing, and sailing. Azuréen sports are thriving in the wake of Alain Bernard, who has become a global superstar. Unfortunately, the Antibes swimmer and triple Olympic medalist could not be present, nor could his relay teammate Boris Steimetz, Camille Muffat, and Mickaël Bourgain (track cycling, individual bronze medalist). Therefore, it was Vencelas Dabaya from ES Villeneuve-Loubet, an Olympic vice-champion in weightlifting, Nicolas Charbonnier and Olivier Bausset, bronze medalists in sailing, who received the honors live from Pierre Cambréal, the president of the CROS. Seven athletes who medaled at the Paralympic Games were also honored. Four are table tennis players, one a swimmer, another a cyclist, and yet another a judoka. “In total, 13 athletes from the PACA region shone and made it onto the podiums in Beijing last summer,” Pierre Cambréal rejoiced.
Volunteers and casual sports players honored
In every sports club, big or small, volunteers often represent the soul of the club. They facilitate the smooth operation of matches, events, and overall club development. Fifteen individuals from various sports received the Côte d’Azur CROS gold medal for their involvement. “We wanted to pay tribute to them,” emphasized the President, “just as much as those who have worked for the respect of fair play and sports ethics.” Whether referee, player, coach, or official, four people were recognized for promoting their discipline, respecting the rules, and upholding the values that make sport a fantastic world where young and old, stars and ordinary people mingle, united behind a common goal: to have fun, surpass themselves, and experience emotions…
Let it be known, regional sport at all levels still has many great years ahead of it.
