Clap de fin on the Paris Games with Amaury

Amaury GENDRON (Environment, 2011, Rennes), a volunteer at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, had a unique experience. As a driver for accredited persons , he discovered what goes on behind the scenes of a global event. Between wonderful encounters, moments of sharing and lasting memories, he tells us about this unique experience that has had a profound effect on him.

• Why did you decide to apply to be a Paralympic Games volunteer?

In March 2023, my partner and I decided to apply for this global event that would put France in the spotlight. When we saw that the Paris 2024 organization had received 300,000 applications, we thought it was going to be difficult to be one of the 45,000 chosen. But finally, after a long wait until December 2023, we received the good news that we had both been selected, and chose to contribute to the Paralympics, as our professional schedules unfortunately didn't allow us to take part in both events.

• What was your position, and what events did you take part in?

I was a driver for accredited persons (athletes, members of the organization, judges and the Paralympic family). The aim of my mission was to transport people between the various official Paris 2024 sites (Paralympic Village, hotels, competition venues, airports and train stations). We had to facilitate the means and times of transport for accredited persons, and in particular for people with reduced mobility.

• Do you have an anecdote to share?

The anecdote I'm going to share isn't a very happy one, but it just goes to show how, despite years of preparation, everything can change at the drop of a hat. I had to transport equipment that a wheelchair fencer had forgotten in the morning at the Paralympic Village, a bit absent-minded and probably stressed by the day's event. So I had to collect one of his staff with the equipment from the Paralympic Village, north of Paris, and take him to the competition venue, the Grand Palais, right in the center of Paris. I did my utmost to arrive on time for the start of the competition, but unfortunately, with the traffic, the timing was 5 minutes too short. The athlete was unfortunately disqualified for failing to arrive on time for the event with his equipment.

• What has this experience brought you personally?

Nothing but positive things, especially seeing the smiles on people's faces. It was a unique experience, made up of sharing and human relationships. I was happy and satisfied to be able to meet and exchange with athletes, members of the organization, judges, the Paralympic family and volunteers from the four corners of the world.

• Did you take part in the opening and/or closing ceremonies?

Yes, I had the fabulous opportunity to take part in the closing ceremony and stand alongside the athletes, Paris 2024 teams and other volunteers in the middle of the Stade de France, an indelible memory that will stay with me forever.

• What's your best memory of the Games?

What I'll always remember is standing in front of 80,000 lights and millions of TV viewers at the Stade de France, like an athlete at a sporting event. Seeing the atmosphere and the energy of the cheering crowd was an indescribable sensation, which still gives me chills today just thinking about it. These games will leave a magical and fantastic legacy for France.