The evening was beautiful. Featuring great athletes, an attractive show, select hosts (Patrick Montel, France Télévisions, and Nicolas Abed, NRJ Nice), and plenty of emotion, all the conditions were met for an excellent time. Critics might say that the medal ceremonies for all the Nice champions were lengthy, but everything was masterfully organized.
Many licensed athletes from the Azurean capital received honors from the 2000 people present at the Acropolis on Thursday, February 19. Regardless of their age, they are champions of France, Europe, or the World in their respective disciplines. Nice produces champions from ages 7 to 77. From juniors to seniors, from pétanque to wrestling, passing through roller hockey or water polo, all of Nice’s sports are present at the top of international podiums. “We really didn’t think there were so many champions here,” admit Patrick Montel and Stéphane Diagana in unison. “You have to be there to see it. It’s impressive,” adds the 1997 World Champion of the 400m.
Victoires du Sport and Nice 2018 Are Universally Praised
The Victoires du Sport, the first of their kind, provide an opportunity to see an astonishing array of stars. In any case, they are unanimously praised. “It’s good to reward and to level the playing field for all these champions. That was a concern. It’s very important for affirming a city’s vitality, especially in the context of the bid for the Olympics,” analyzes the sports commentator from France TV. The same sentiment is echoed by Christophe Moni. “This gathering allows meeting other athletes, it’s perfect,” notes the former rugby player and current coach of Rugby Nice Côte d’Azur. “To generate mass sports participation and raise awareness among the young, it’s crucial,” says Didier Deschamps, the iconic captain of the World and European Champion French Football Team. “It’s important for the region to host such an event with the Olympics 2018 in view,” continues the former coach from Monaco, based on the French Riviera. A sentiment shared by Hervé Dubuisson, the undisputed star of French Basketball and player at the highest level from age 15 to 41: “Bringing together so many great athletes is magnificent for Nice and its region. This event follows in the footsteps of Nice 2018. It would be super to have them. After my career as a basketball player and coach, I fully support them in obtaining the Games.”
Spectacle and Emotion
The organization of the Victoires du Sport required a lot of work but the result is more than satisfying. In addition to the awards and the presentation of athletes supporting Nice 2018, the entertainment was on point. The “Kamikaze Flex” troupe provided the hip-hop touch for the evening. Séan, the 2008 World Champion of street-style Football, enchanted both young and old with his technique and stunning acts.
The evening was marked by the tribute paid to Laure Écard. Playing in the junior league at NCO, the 16 and a half year old basketball player died last April following a road accident on her way back from a match. The “Laure Écard” trophy was awarded to her parents. A moment filled with emotion and respected by all. Respect, that’s also what sport is about.
