Our partner EDF, also the official renewable electricity supplier for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, organized a sports meeting on Thursday, February 9, at the Arena Stade Couvert in Liévin, aimed at students from several schools in the Hauts-de-France region to introduce them to and allow them to practice para-athletics.
The aim was to give young people in the Hauts-de-France region an unforgettable experience and an introduction to Paralympic sports, in professional conditions (master of ceremonies, DJ, full branding of the venue, official judges and referees, etc.) and in the presence of top athletes from Team EDF, such as: Alain BERNARD, double Olympic champion, Alexandra NOUCHET, French record holder, Théo CURIN, world vice-champion, and Valentin BELAUD, double world champion.
On the agenda:
- Introduction to parasports with athletes from Team EDF
- Competition between student groups in various sports workshops
- Sharing experiences and exchanges
Sixteen students from the Lille campus got motivated and formed two teams. With the approval of the Academic Affairs Department and the campus administration, they were able to participate in the event and proudly represent their school.
Among the disciplines discovered:
- The 60m race for blind athletes with a guide
- Seated shot put with legs tied to a chair
- Long jump with one arm tied to the side of the body
- The mixed wheelchair and blind relay race with a guide
Photo credit EDF: Jérémie MASUKA
At the end of the competition, teams won prizes including tickets to the 2024 Paris Olympics! An Energy Trophy was also awarded to the team that created the best atmosphere during the event... And guess who took home the cup? The Gadz'Arts, of course!
Alongside the competition, participants were able to visit the EDF village and try their hand at virtual reality wheelchair racing, discover the exhibition celebrating 30 years of partnership between EDF and the French Handisport Federation, and attend a conference given by Team EDF athletes who shared their experiences. It was a unique moment that greatly inspired them.
Photo credit EDF: Jérémie MASUKA
Testimonial from Léo THESEE, a second-year student in the Grande Ecole Engineering Programme a member of one of the participating teams
"It was really rewarding. We got to talk to athletes and influencers who shared their experiences and advice with us. We also had a lot of fun. The atmosphere was great with the other teams, and the day went smoothly. We came away with a very good impression!"
Photo credit EDF: Jérémie MASUKA
