COGOLIN — National champions, regional podium finishers, and local sports heroes were honored on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, during the annual Cogolin Trophy ceremony.
The event, held at the Centre Maurin des Maures, recognized athletes from the commune who achieved exceptional results across a wide range of disciplines over the past year, Var Actu reported.
The ceremony honored individual athletes and sports clubs, showing the town's many different sporting activities. From rhythmic gymnastics to rugby, and from archery to combat sports, the trophies were presented to those who excelled in both individual and team competitions.
The achievements of several standout individual athletes were a highlight of the evening. In rhythmic gymnastics, Alexia Madeddu Castor had a remarkable season, securing the title of champion of the Var department, earning a silver medal at the interregional level, and clinching the French national championship.
The town’s archers also shone brightly. Carol Ruiz was crowned French national champion in field archery, while Rémi Ballester claimed the French title in 3D archery. Several other archers from Cogolin also achieved success, winning departmental and regional titles, further cementing the sport’s strong presence in the community.
Team sports were also heavily represented, with significant achievements for Cogolin’s clubs. The town’s rugby à 10 program enjoyed a successful season. The cadet team won the Régionale 2 championship, while the senior team reached the round of 16 in the French championship after finishing as runners-up in Promotion Régionale 3.
In volleyball, the senior women’s team, competing in the Nationale 3 league, reached the final of the French championship, finishing as national runners-up. The under-13 girls’ team also performed admirably, securing fifth place in both the French indoor and beach volleyball championships.
The local combat sports scene saw notable success as well. Multiple athletes from Cogolin won championships in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA) region in kempo and kick-boxing. Kamelia Messaoui was selected to compete at the European Championships with the French national team, demonstrating the high level of talent in the town. In professional competition, Marwan Fahfah won all three of his fights.
Clubs for badminton, judo, and fencing were also recognized for their strong performances in various departmental and regional tournaments throughout the year, showing the town's wide range of athletic talent.
Beyond the medals and trophies, the ceremony paid tribute to the coaches, educators, managers, and volunteers who are instrumental in the success of the town’s sports associations. Their year-round dedication was celebrated as a vital component of Cogolin’s sporting ecosystem.
The event also marked important anniversaries for two of the town’s longest-standing sports organizations. The rhythmic gymnastics association celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2025, while the local fencing club marked its 50th anniversary, which was also commemorated the previous year.
The municipal government of Cogolin has confirmed its commitment to continuing the Trophy ceremony for future editions, with plans to further engage the local community in the event. A complete list of all honored athletes and their specific achievements is available in the official program published by the Ville de Cogolin, Var Actu reported.
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