Flag rugby returned to Paris for the third consecutive yr on 23 and 24 Could when Particular Olympics France, in partnership with the rugby union staff Racing 92, hosted 300 gamers on the Particular Olympics France Worldwide Flag-Rugby Event.
Particular Olympics Europe Eurasia Sports activities Supervisor, Matteo Secchi, was on website to soak all of it up. He stated, “Rugby generally has a novel spirit the place there are few limitations between the spectators and the gamers and between the groups. You may see this spirit shine by way of in Paris the place athletes gave their finest on the sphere, grabbing the flags, intercepting the balls and working at velocity. Nevertheless, off the sphere, they’re all chatting collectively and it’s clear that they simply beloved being there.”
Sharing the Magic of Rugby
Julien Collette, Nationwide Director of Particular Olympics France and CEO of the Organising Committee of the Rugby World Cup France 2023, echoed this sentiment concerning the distinctive energy and potential of rugby. He stated, “Whereas I spent the final six years as deputy normal supervisor of the French Rugby Union, then CEO of the Organising Committee of the Rugby World Cup France 2023, I had the chance to indicate how rugby might be inclusive with the Worldwide Wheelchair Rugby Cup that the Organising Committee organised in the course of the World Cup. In different phrases, these two occasions introduced the superb future success of the Olympic and Paralympic Video games Paris 2024, however above all, the Worldwide Wheelchair Rugby Cup emphasised, earlier than the Paralympics, how inspiring the paralympic athletes are.”
He continued, “The identical magic has occurred with the Particular Olympics France Worldwide Flag-Rugby Event 2025, not as a result of the occasion is as massive because the Wheelchair Rugby Cup or the Paralympic Video games, however as a result of flag rugby performed solely by athletes with mental disabilities or as a Unified sport, strongly highlights the inclusive energy of sport.”
Rising Reputation
The primary yr of the event was a collaboration between Particular Olympics France and rugby membership Racing 92. This yr, Sonepar France, UPS Europe and TOYOTA France joined to help the occasion. Matteo noticed how the standard of the sport is bettering. He stated, “It’s getting extra skilled, involving official referees from rugby and gamers as supporters. That is pushed by elevated curiosity and concentrate on inclusive rugby—simply three years in the past, Racing 92 had a staff of six athletes with mental disabilities and at this time they’ve 85 athletes with mental disabilities.”
“Proud to Signify Romania for the First Time!”
This native curiosity is matched by a rising recognition internationally. Greater than 20 groups from throughout France joined the event whereas new international locations, akin to Romania, signed as much as compete for the primary time this yr. Among the many Romanian gamers on the sphere was Petruta Catalina Leuștean, aged 17 years outdated and from Câmpulung Moldovenesc in Suceava County. Petruta was bitten by the ‘flag-rugby bug’ two years in the past and hasn’t seemed again. She says, “I began out of curiosity, however in a short time, I felt drawn to the game. It offers me power and pleasure.”
The flag rugby event in Paris has solely fuelled Petruta’s love of the sport. She says, “It was superb! I felt proud to characterize Romania and to be a part of a global staff. I made new mates, performed with ardour, and found how sport brings individuals collectively, irrespective of the language or nation.”
A Rising Profile
In terms of legacy, this occasion is already having an affect. Matteo says, “This event is inspiring others on the subject of the chances for flag rugby. For instance, one other flag-rugby competitors is now scheduled in Switzerland later this yr.”
Based on Julien, the involvement of Racing 92 has raised the profile of the occasion, bringing flag rugby to a large viewers and displaying “how a lot the game exists and generates pleasure and happiness for all.”
As for Petruta, she needs the world—and particularly the athletes of Particular Olympics—to know concerning the pleasure of flag rugby. She concludes, “I need to proceed taking part in, to get higher, and to encourage others to do this sport. I hope to take part in additional worldwide occasions with Particular Olympics. It’s my dream to assist my teammates develop, identical to I’ve grown due to rugby.”
