Roland-Garros: Championing Inclusion | French Open 2024

An emblematic place to change the eyes: for the first time, 33 men, women and children aged 9 to 70, including athletes, personalities and anonymous, will parade during an inclusive show on the central court of Roland-Garros. The Association Standing En Bouts, created by sports journalist Matthieu Lartot following his amputation in 2023, places the event under the sign of Fashion Week, to challenge unequal access to sports and high -tech prostheses.

“Organizing this parade in Roland-Garros is bringing into a prestige of bodies for too long invisibilized,” explains Matthieu Lartot. We want to challenge, raise awareness, celebrate the strength of those who stand in despite everything. He will be surrounded by champions like Pauline Déreléde, Stéphane Houdet, Arnaud Assoumani, Grace Wembolua or Cléo Ginterdaele, the first Roland-Garros armchair ball picker.

The French Tennis Federation, by the voice of its president Gilles Moretton, fully supports the approach: “It is a strong message that we carry for a more accessible sport. We are looking forward to hosting this superb event in a stadium now open all year round. »»

The parade aims to provoke an institutional dialogue on the management of prostheses: “We denounce the persistent inequalities according to the origin of the amputation, and financing of advanced prostheses for those who have no coverage”, recalls the association.

This accessibility fight brings together influential partners in the sector. At Zalando, Laura Toledano sums up: “Fashion must be accessible to everyone. Our adapted collections, more than 600 styles, illustrate our desire to perpetuate inclusion, because these are often small changes that make a huge difference. To support standing in ends is to defend an inclusive and united fashion. »»

Sanofi is just as mobilized. “We are proud to associate ourselves with this parade. Our “one million conversations” program aims to strengthen confidence and health access for discriminated people, especially the disabled. Our policy encourages the employment, welcome and freedom of expression of everyone, ”insists Charles Wolf, Country Manager France.

Maryline Bessonard (Apicil group) adds: “The association acts concretely: to offer prostheses and highlight the absence of care. Our administrators have chosen to support this file, consistent with our societal commitments. »»

The Solomon Foundation, under the leadership of Marie Acambray, strengthens the impact: “We believe in the power of sport for inclusion and mobility. To support standing in ends is to allow everyone to reconnect with sporting activity, so that the handisports are no longer the forgotten of progress. »»

Open to the general public, the parade invites mobilization, emotion and discovery of all forms of talent and style.

To reserve its places and support the association: www.deboutenbouts.fr/faire-un-don.

Alain Jouve

Breaking Barriers: An Inclusive Parade at Roland-Garros Champions Accessibility in Sport and Fashion

The upcoming inclusive parade on the central court of Roland-Garros marks a pivotal moment,blending the worlds of sport and fashion to champion accessibility and challenge societal norms. organized by the Association Standing En Bouts, this event, conceived by sports journalist Matthieu Lartot, aims to raise awareness and advocate for more equitable access to sports and advanced prosthetics. This article delves deeper into the significance of this event, highlighting key participants, partnering organizations, and the broader implications for inclusivity.

Key Participants and Supporters

The parade will feature 33 individuals, including athletes, public figures, and everyday people, spanning ages 9 to 70. This diverse representation underscores the event’s commitment to inclusivity. Notable participants include:

Pauline Déreléde: champion athlete.

Stéphane Houdet: Champion athlete.

Arnaud assoumani: Champion athlete.

Grace Wembolua: Champion athlete.

Cléo ginterdaele: The first Roland-Garros armchair ball picker.

The French Tennis Federation,under president Gilles Moretton,fully supports the initiative emphasizing their commitment to a more accessible sport. Corporate partners such as Zalando and Sanofi are also lending their support, recognizing the importance of inclusion within fashion and healthcare accessibility.

The core Message: challenging Invisibility and inequality

The parade’s primary objective is to confront the “invisibilization” of differently-abled bodies, challenging existing inequalities in access to prosthetics and healthcare, particularly based on the nature of the amputation and the availability of financial assistance. The event strives to spark an institutional dialogue on these crucial issues, amplified by their collaboration with prominent partners invested in supporting inclusivity.

Diverse participants at the inclusive parade at Roland-Garros

Image of the event. Alt text: Diverse participants at the inclusive parade at Roland-Garros, celebrating inclusivity in sports and fashion.*

Impact and Future Goals

The parade is poised to create a lasting impact, advocating for change through the integration of various partners. By supporting “Standing En Bouts,” organizations and individuals promote inclusion in fashion and healthcare, recognizing that even small adjustments can make a notable difference. Ultimately the goal is to break down barriers ensuring that handisports are no longer overlooked in societal progress, encouraging participation, and promoting the integration of all forms of talent and style.

Key Takeaways & Statistics

| Aspect | Details |

| :——————— | :————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— |

| Event Goal | challenge unequal access to sports and high-tech prostheses, promote inclusivity. |

| Participants | 33 people, including athletes, personalities, and anonymous individuals, aged 9-70. |

| Key Message | Advocate for institutional dialogue on prosthetics and healthcare access, highlighting financial inequalities. |

| Partners | French Tennis Federation, Zalando, Sanofi, Apicil group, Solomon Foundation.|

| Fashion Connection: | Zalando’s commitment to inclusivity, with over 600 styles. The adaptive clothing market is rapidly growing, with brands increasingly focusing on functional and fashionable options that cater to a range of needs [[2]]. |

| Reach and Support | Association Standing En Bouts’ aims to allow everyone to reconnect with sporting activity. |

FAQ: addressing Questions on Inclusivity in Sports and Fashion

This FAQ section addresses common queries, ensuring that the information is accessible and easily understood by a wide audience.

Q: What is the primary goal of the inclusive parade at Roland-Garros?

A: The parade aims to promote the visibility of differently-abled people, challenge unequal access to sports and advanced prosthetics, and advocate for greater inclusion within sports and fashion.

Q: Who is organizing the parade?

A: The event is organized by the Association Standing En Bouts, created by sports journalist Matthieu Lartot.

Q: What kind of individuals will be participating?

A: The parade will feature athletes, personalities, and anonymous individuals aged 9 to 70, all with varying levels of mobility and ability. Cléo Ginterdaele, the first Roland-Garros armchair ball picker will be in attendance.

Q: How does the event connect fashion to inclusivity?

A: The event partners with brands like Zalando that offer adaptive collections,aiming to make fashion accessible to everyone. This collaboration supports the idea that changes within the fashion industry can have a big impact, creating a more inclusive shopping experience [[2]].

Q: How can I support the cause?

A: To reserve places and support the association, visit www.deboutenbouts.fr/faire-un-don.

James Whitfield

James Whitfield is Archysport's racket sports and golf specialist, bringing a global perspective to tennis, badminton, and golf coverage. Based between London and Singapore, James has covered Grand Slam tournaments, BWF World Tour events, and major golf championships on five continents. His reporting combines on-the-ground access with deep knowledge of the technical and strategic elements that separate elite athletes from the rest of the field. James is fluent in English, French, and Mandarin, giving him unique access to athletes across the global tennis and badminton circuits.

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