The Nuit du handicap celebrated gastronomy

On June 13, the place de la République hosted the first Var edition of the Nuit du handicap. This national event was adapted locally at the initiative of PARIH 83 (Pôle d’Appui et de Ressources pour l’Inclusion Handicap du Var), in partnership with the Ville de La Garde.

“Our ambition is to change the way people look at disability by highlighting the talents and skills of the people concerned,” explained Cédric Chevallier, head of PARIH 83 and initiator of the event.

Gastronomy

For this first edition, the organizers chose a unifying theme: gastronomy. Under the guiding thread “Breaking barriers through taste,” the evening invited participants to gather around the table, a space where differences fade in favor of exchange, conviviality, and discovery.

With this original approach, the event brought the public together, promoted the professional skills of people with disabilities, and dismantled stereotypes. A simple but essential message: competence has no disability.

Two renowned chefs

Among the highlights of the evening was the meeting between two renowned chefs: Arnaud Tabarec, a Michelin-starred chef, and Grégory Cuilleron, revealed to the general public during the show Top Chef in 2010.

Particularly sensitive to projects with a human dimension, Arnaud Tabarec supported this local initiative by putting his expertise to work for the inclusive cause.

For his part, Grégory Cuilleron, born with agenesis of the left forearm, embodies an inspiring journey. A recognized figure in French gastronomy, he demonstrates that disability is not an obstacle to success.

A participatory approach

Beyond this, the Nuit du handicap was distinguished by its participatory approach. People with disabilities were not only invited to take part in the celebration: they contributed to its organization.

Mobilized as volunteers alongside young people in Service civique and many partners, they participated in the preparation and smooth running of the evening.

An involvement that breaks with traditional patterns and gives full meaning to the inclusive ambition driving the event.