The Palais Nikaรฏa vibrated tonight for the 13th edition of the Victoires du Sport. More than 4,000 spectators were present to celebrate the athletes from Nice and their exploits. After five years of absence, the event marked a spectacular return with 464 medalists awarded. An evening filled with emotion, performances, and surprises.
From the very first minutes, the atmosphere was set. The Chลurs du Sud, directed by Romain Fillon, kicked off the evening with 300 choristers on stage. A massive performance that transported the audience with three powerful pieces.
Then came a walk down memory lane with a retrospective of sporting achievements in Nice from 2020 to 2023. Strong images that reminded everyone of the importance of sport in Nice. The evening then turned to the best moments of 2024, before Christian Estrosi took the floor.
Nice, a Winning City
The mayor of Nice highlighted the cityโs sporting success:
- โ44 national titles and 15 world titles for our Nice athletes, and I am proud of it.โ
- โSince 2007, we have increased our sports budget by 35%.โ
Impressive figures that confirm the central role of sport in Nice.
The players from OGC Nice were invited on stage to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the club. It was an opportunity to celebrate the extension of the captain Dante for a tenth season in the red and black jersey. An announcement that thrilled the crowd.
This year, a new segment debuted: โThey Are Doing Sports Differentlyโ, highlighting innovative initiatives:
- Innovation Award: WeWard, the app that rewards steps taken.
- Sport & Economy Award: Nolt, a sportswear brand made from recycled materials.
- Sport & Research Award: PrรฉsAge, a project evaluating seniors as high-level athletes.
- Special Recognition Award: TCAP, promoting inclusive sports between able-bodied individuals and those with disabilities.
Christian Estrosi emphasized the importance of this initiative: โWe want to allow our startups from Nice to grow. Sport means jobs and communion.โ
The Tour de France Honored
Another notable moment: the arrival of the 2024 Tour de France in Nice. Yann Le Moรซnner, Gรฉrard Holtz, Chris Froome, and Mark Cavendish were present on stage, accompanied by a video message from director Christian Prudhomme.
Mark Cavendish, winner of 35 stages, delivered a poignant message: โThe Tour is my life. I couldn’t dream of a better place than Nice to end my career.โ The two legends were honored by the city.
The unveiling of the evening’s patron was a real spectacle. The French Twins, renowned magicians, performed an amazing act before bringing out Alizรฉ Cornet. The tennis player from Nice, sponsor of the edition, was then celebrated with a film retracing her career. โI am from Nice and proud to be. I have always wanted to make Nice shine around the world.โ
Tribute to Nice’s Sports Legends
Two figures from Nice’s sports scene, Loรฏc Pietri (judo) and Nastasia Noens (skiing), were awarded for their careers. A beautiful tribute materialized by customized Totor figures, in judo and ski attire.
Before the grand finale, Ludivine Furnon, bronze medalist at the 1995 World Championships, delivered an impressive gymnastics performance with her husband Nicolas. A breathtaking show.
The final celebration of the evening was dedicated to Niceโs bid for the 2030 Winter Olympics. Christian Estrosi concluded with ambition:
โNice is the city of the Alps and these Olympics will be the best.โ
The Champions of Champions
The three great champions of the year were chosen by the public and a jury of 15 journalists from Nice:
- Para Sports (tie): Raphaรซl Dutay and Maxime Montaggioni.
- Female Champion: Manon Fiorot.
- Male Champion: Makenson Gletty.
Finally, the 464 medalists were invited on stage for a family photo, symbolizing the unity and excellence of Nice sports.
The Victoires du Sport 2025 confirmed one thing: Nice is a city of champions. Between emerging talents, sports legends, and innovations, this 13th edition offered a show worthy of the city’s sports history. A grand celebration of sports, blending emotion, celebration, and ambition.
