Paris 2024 Olympics: “great pride”, “incredible luck”… these regionals chosen from among the volunteers

Frédéric Goulven, ancien cavalier lattois toujours animé par la passion des chevaux, sera en poste à Versailles. Frédéric Goulven

La majorité des 45 000 bénévoles des JO sera réunie ce 23 mars à Paris pour une grande convention à La Défense. Témoignages que quelques régionaux qui figurent parmi les heureux élus.

It’s an almost centuries-old tradition. In the shadow of the stars who "will" These Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, an army of 45,000 volunteers will carry out tasks as diverse as welcoming spectators, supervising athletes and delegations or even helping to the colossal logistics involved in the event.

They are called "volunteers", "A fairly old status on positions that have been held for a long time by groups of young scout types", explains Alexandre Morenon-Condé, in charge of the Paris-2024 volunteer program. "The first official program in the general population was launched for the London Games in 1948 and the IOC protected it in the 1980s."

They  will immerse themselves in the Olympic experience with a large convention organized this Saturday March 23 at the Arena de La Défense, a room capable of holding nearly 40,000 people. Some will attend this meeting by video 'Plunge them into the heart of the Games because they will be the true faces of the event, our ambassadors.'

Highlight of this meeting, the presentation of the outfit that the volunteers will be able to religiously keep as a precious relic. "It seemed important to us to celebrate them , insists Alexandre Morenon-Condé, because they maintain a tradition of civic engagement and volunteerism which is part of the DNA of sport. "

Several regional volunteers gave us their testimony before this convention.

Laurence Bernard, pharmacist at Sanofi (Montpellier)

"I never imagined experiencing such an event from the inside. It's an unexpected opportunity that Sanofi is offering me because I have volunteerism anchored in me, it corresponds to my values."& nbsp;Laurence Bernard has colored rings that shine deep in his eyes. This 55-year-old pharmacist is one of the 2,024 volunteers that Sanofi, premium partner, has the privilege of providing for the Olympic and Paralympic Games (1,012 for each of the two events).

Laurence Bernard, pharmacist at Sanofi Montpellier. Sanofi

Native of the Rhône-Alpes region, employed since 2001 within the site. from Montpellier, she is currently in charge of early clinical trials on drugs. From judo, which she practiced in her youth, to running, hiking and swimming, she has always been immersed in a passion for sport.

"I had asked to serve on one of these sports instead but I will normally be assigned to spectator service on the boxing qualifiers and at least one event in modern pentathlon", she explains. No matter, the pleasure is intact with the prospect of meeting "athletes and visitors from all over the world". Chosen from among 11,000 candidates from Sanofi, she will benefit from accommodation, transportation and half the days off from her employer. A nice boost that adds to the passion.

"I feel pride, great joy and an energy that we feel rising in the company , she confides. Sanofi has already trained us in first aid and allowed us to participate in several inspiring webinars with sports personalities like Théo Curin, star of the disabled sports world (and whose statue has just entered the Grévin museum, Editor's note)."

Laurence hopes that these games "will make it possible to further improve the accessibility of people with disabilities who are not not necessarily visible and heard enough in our country."

A selection mode in several stages

Launched in 2023, the volunteer recruitment campaign had been launched in 2023. prepared in advance with the sports ecosystem to identify profiles of pre-candidates. The campaign aimed at the general public then resulted in nearly 300,000 applications from 190 countries and all age categories.

"Our willé éwas to bring together people from all backgrounds, including people with disabilities and those from abroad" explains Alexandre Morenon-Cond& eacute;, in charge of the volunteer program.

A first selection had been made. carried out on the responses to the forms. An algorithm then oriented candidates for missions corresponding to à their wishes and their skills. "The teams in charge of these missions carried out the final selection among the shortlisted candidates,” specifies Alexandre.

Most volunteers will have a 10-day mission, with one day off per week. Some will officiate for the Olympics and Paralympics. Only local transportation to the site and lunches are covered. Not accommodation.

In the days following the convention, they will receive the first training module   distance and the general guide. At the end of May, everyone will have the opportunity to to collect their accreditation and uniform on site before receiving the training modules in June. distance linked to their mission. Several webinars will also be organized at the event. their attention before final on-site training in the days preceding the opening of the Games.

Frédéric Goulven, sales representative at Renault Prés-d'Arènes (Lattes/Montpellier)

Salesman at Renault, passionate about horse riding, the Lattois Frédéric Goulven has been immersed in the paddocks since his adolescence: "J& #39;had joined an agricultural high school with a horse riding option and I became a caring groom then a teaching educator after passing my certificate." Without forgetting a nice rider's course up to the prestigious level "Galop 8".

Returned to the automobile industry for 25 years, he is now a national show jumping judge. His assignment to the site of the Palace of Versailles, where all the equestrian events will take place, makes the golden glitter of a dream in the form of a challenge shine in the depths of his eyes: &quot ;I wanted to be at the heart of these Games. It's an honor to manage a small team to be as close as possible to the needs of the riders and horses. By knowing the environment, we are able to identify a problem and anticipate it."

Main problem to be resolved for Frédéric as for all volunteers: accommodation, not covered by the organization. "I'I have the chance to know people in the equestrian family and I will be hosted in Versailles, as close as possible to the site, he rejoices.  This will allow me to be present during the entire fortnight of the equestrian eventses."

The convention of March 23, in Paris, the Héraultais impatiently awaits "because we are going to present the outfit, getting to know the groups, it will be like a kick-off to our Games." At 58, the Montpellier resident will experience this adventure "not as an outcome but not far away. When you start from zero and manage to be in the heart of the Olympics, it's rewarding."

Anne Hernandez, director of savings management at Banque Populaire du Sud (Nîmes)

Golf, cycling, horse riding, skiing, hiking… Anne Hernandez, 55, defines herself as a "passionate about sport in the broad sense". Director of savings management for the private market throughout the region but based in Nîmes, this Gardoise is one of the 23 lucky ones from the bank, a premium partner of the Olympic Games, ready to get wet.

La Gardoise Anne Hernandez, director of savings management at Banque Populaire du Sud. Banque Populaire du Sud

"I have a little organizational experience in the world of horse riding, near Nîmes and I' “I hope, in my small way, to contribute to the success of the event",” she assures, proud to proclaim that it's ;acts both an "immense joy" and a &amp ;quot;great responsibility".

Since December, Anne has known that she will be assigned to the spectator service at the Parc des Princes to direct people, communicate, and resolve any accessibility problems. "A mission based on kindness that suits me well", she assures, enthusiastically at the same time' idea of "share this fantastic experience with family, colleagues, friends… We will inevitably come away with lots of things to talk about."

Especially since all the volunteers from the BPS group will be accommodated by the bank in a youth hostel in the Marais.

As for the risks linked to transport or security, Anne admits not feeling the slightest apprehension: "I have complete confidence in a country like ours who has been preparing this event for 5 years with great professionalism. It's going to be an amazing party!"