Rugby, a bridge between France and Ukraine
On April 15, a solidarity and sports project was presented at Espace des Arts.
On this occasion, a gala evening was organized by the association 'Office des Échanges' with Ukraine, marking the launch of the project 'Le rugby à travers les frontières'. An event under the sign of sport, culture, and international solidarity.
Concrètement, this project plans for the hosting, from June 23 to 28, 2026, of a delegation of young rugby players from the city of Oujgorod (Ukraine) by the rugby club of La Seyne-sur-Mer. The initiative, supported by the Ville du Pradet, is part of a process of sports and human exchanges between the Transcarpatie region and the région Sud.
MESSAGE OF PEACE The launch evening brought together partners, supporters, and residents around a concert by the group Soul et Sun, as well as catering provided by Matthias Sorton, a home chef. Since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine, many sports clubs have been severely weakened. In this context, the project highlights the role of sport as a vehicle for peace and bringing people together.
As Jean-François Loubet, president of the Office des Échanges with Ukraine, emphasizes: 'During the stay of these young Ukrainians, we want to help them discover our region and Provençal culture outside of sports times. We are looking for partners, sponsors, and patrons to successfully carry out this project. It is about encouraging lasting links between the territories, beyond the simple sporting framework.'
Thus, the event benefits from the patronage of two personalities. First, Léon Loppy, an emblematic player of the RCT and champion of France in 1992, and second, the comedian Yves Pujol, who both emphasized the human scope of the project, recalling the values of solidarity and peace carried by rugby.
Beyond the sporting event, the goal is to strengthen the links between territories and to develop future cooperation in cultural, tourism, and economic fields. The association and its partners are launching an appeal to patrons and sponsors to enable the realization of this international exchange project, a symbol of openness and solidarity.
Photos PRESSE AGENCE.