How Troyes and Aube attract Olympic and Paralympic delegations

Competition is fierce between the territories as Paris 2024 approaches, but Troyes and Aube have nothing to be ashamed of. In a few months, several delegations will come to prepare for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in the sector. With its recent facilities such as the CIME (international multisport and climbing complex), financed largely by the Department, and the gymnastics hall of the Henri-Terré complex in Troyes, Aube is competitive in the race for the Games. After the Japanese climbing team and the Brazilian Paralympic Committee, the Brazilian gymnasts, among the best in the world, have confirmed their arrival in Troyes for two preparation courses in April and July 2024.

“We are one of the rare territories which have chosen to put everything together with a view to the Games,” underlines Sibylle Bertail-Fassaert, co-president of the Education-Citizenship/Sport commission at the Departmental Council. The Department provided leadership for this process which involves several communities. »

Created for the occasion, the Troyes Aube 24 brand extolled the merits of the Aube Games Preparation Centers (CPJ) to numerous foreign delegations. “There was a lot of canvassing and contact work. For example, we went to Insep in Paris, the Mecca of preparation centers in France, and to the Normandy sports center to create a network,” says Frédéric Adam, one of the two representatives of Troyes Aube 24 in company of Stéphane Van de Gehugte. “Having links with these centers allows them to talk about us to the delegations when they are full,” adds Frédéric Adam.

To the rhythm of the samba

The Paris 2024 windfall has enabled communities to launch ambitious programs for state-of-the-art structures. “This equipment was not made especially for the delegations,” emphasizes Frédéric Serra, deputy mayor in charge of sports at the City of Troyes, “but if there had not been the Games in France, we would not have not channel so much public money into sport. Equipment such as the climbing room, the gymnastics hall and the BMX track met a need in the area. They are first and foremost there to serve local sport and ensure a legacy after the Games. »

If the Olympic climbing teams from Japan and the gymnastics teams from Brazil are of reasonable size, more than 300 people will arrive in Troyes in August, athletes and chaperones included, with the Brazilian Paralympic Committee. “The Aube sports center is unique in the Grand-Est for receiving such delegations,” says Sibylle Bertail-Fassaert. We have a large reception capacity, in particular 36 rooms for people with reduced mobility. » It’s quite a logistical challenge that lies ahead to place everyone in the best conditions. “We’re going to live to the rhythm of samba!” », Enthuses Frédéric Serra.

On the French high-level sport map

Apart from the Trojan football club which oscillates between Ligues 1 and 2 and a few individuals, Aube is more renowned for being a land of mass sport than of high level. The momentum of Paris 2024 could reverse the trend. “The BMX specialists who pass through Troyes tell us that we have the most beautiful track in France after Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines. It’s impossible that we don’t have delegations. We just can’t wait to conclude, continues Frédéric Serra. These teams who choose our territory will allow us to enter the world of high-level sport for this equipment. After the Olympic Games, there will be French and European Championships… There are the daily users who are the Trojan and departmental associations but we also have the desire to host great events. »

Troyes therefore takes the lion’s share, for the moment, but the other CPJs in the department, such as Nogent-sur-Seine for combat sports or the Mathaux nautical base for rowing and canoeing, also have assets to be highlighted. “The selections for the Olympic Games will not end until May,” says Frédéric Adam. These sites, if chosen by delegations, will be chosen at the end. They can be interesting for smaller selections. Romilly-sur-Seine, for athletics, can be suitable for a delegation of around ten athletes with 5 or 6 accompanying people. » Troyes Aube 24 remains on the lookout. “Other structures will come and prepare in the department. We are still in discussions with several delegations,” assures Sibylle Bertail-Fassaert.