On July 24th and 25th, the city of Cannes hosted the inaugural World Sport Summit, a significant event that brought together champions, sports industry professionals, and enthusiasts from around the world. Held at the prestigious Palais des Congrès in Cannes, the summit highlighted the transformative power of sport and its crucial role in modern society.
During these two intense days, participants attended inspiring conferences, enriching round tables, and a prestigious awards ceremony. The event provided a unique opportunity to explore how sport can not only promote universal values such as perseverance, respect, and excellence but also play a critical role in global issues like health, the environment, and social cohesion.
In his opening speech, Cannes Mayor David Lisnard emphasized the importance of this event for the city, noting that Cannes is not only a prime destination for international events but also a city where sport occupies a central place in the lives of its residents. He expressed his pride in hosting such a gathering and highlighted how sport, like culture, can serve as a lever for emancipation and social progress.
Bernard Caiazzo, founder and president of the World Sport Summit, also addressed the audience, reminding them that sport is much more than a mere passion. He spoke about the transcendent values of sport that unite individuals and nations and celebrated this universal spirit, particularly significant in this Olympic year.
July 24th Program: Conferences and Gala Dinner
Conference I: How Do You Become a Champion?
The first conference of the day explored the paths to sporting excellence, with poignant testimonies from champions about their journeys, the challenges they overcame, and the lessons learned. Participants had the opportunity to hear inspiring stories and understand the qualities needed to excel in the world of sports.
Conference II: How Can Sport Change the World? The Future of Sport and Olympism
The second conference broadened the discussion by examining the social and cultural impact of sport. Speakers debated the future of the Olympic movement and how sport can contribute to a better world by promoting values such as inclusion, solidarity, and peace.
Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony
The gala dinner, hosted by Jean-Philippe Lustyk, was the highlight of the day, celebrating achievements in the sports field with the presentation of several awards. The evening was an opportunity to recognize and reward exceptional initiatives that contribute to advancing sports and its values.
Mayor David Lisnard’s Speech:
The Mayor of Cannes expressed his pride and enthusiasm in hosting this major event. He saluted the champions present, stating his admiration and being impressed by their accomplishments. He reiterated that Cannes, with its rich history of international events, is the ideal destination for such a summit and emphasized the importance of sport in society, both for its emancipatory role and its ability to unite people.
Bernard Caiazzo’s Speech:
The founder of the World Sport Summit highlighted the importance of sport as a vector of universal values. He celebrated the power of sport to inspire and transform lives and reaffirmed his commitment to promoting these values, particularly in this Olympic year, by bringing together key figures in the global sports world.
Champions Honored
Eleven champions graced the event with their presence, sharing their inspiring journeys and contributions to the world of sports:
- Frédérique Jossinet (Judo): Olympic Silver Medalist
- Alain Bernard (Swimming): Olympic Champion, Olympic Silver Medalist, Bronze Medalist
- Chloé Trespeuch (Snowboard): Bronze Medalist
- Hassiba Boulmerka (1500m): Olympic Champion
- Marina Anissina and Gwendal Peizerat (Figure Skating): Olympic Champions & Bronze Medalists
- Dominique Perret (Freeride Skiing): Best Freeride Skier of the 20th Century
- Redouane Asloumane (Boxing): Round of 16
- Sarah Ourahmoune (Boxing): Silver Medalist
- Jean-Michel Monin (Cycling): Olympic Team Pursuit Champion
- Moez El Assine (Wheelchair Fencing): Bronze Medalist in Team Sabre
- Victoria Ravva (Volleyball): Bronze Medalist in Team Sabre
Globe Awards
- Globe for Charitable Sports Action: Grégory Caiazzo, Mc Swim Challenge
- Globe for Sports Audiovisual Program: "21 le sport des solutions" represented by Sarah, directed by David Blough
- Globe for Sports Innovation to Change the World: Alain Bernard, Pool On company
- Golden Globe for Lifetime Achievement in Sports: Charles Biétry
July 25th Program: Round Tables and Discussions
Round Table I: Financing the Future of Sport
This session examined new forms of financing for sports, offering perspectives on the opportunities and challenges of modern financing methods, and how they can support the development of sports.
Round Table II: New Technologies
Discussions focused on the impact of new technologies on how sport is consumed, exploring innovations that enhance the fan experience and make sports more accessible.
Round Table III: Performance Improvement
Speakers discussed techniques and innovations that help athletes improve their performance, while highlighting the health benefits associated with these improvements.
Round Table IV: Environment
This round table addressed the role of sport in environmental protection, discussing ecological initiatives and the environmental responsibilities of sports events.
A Vision for the Future
The World Sport Summit demonstrated through its conferences, round tables, and awards ceremonies that sport is much more than mere entertainment. It is a powerful vector of social and cultural change, capable of inspiring generations and transcending borders.
This event brought together champions, experts, and enthusiasts around common values, showing how sport can play a central role in building a better world. The inspiring speeches of Mayor David Lisnard and Bernard Caiazzo reminded us of the importance of sport in our lives and its potential to transform societies.
The success of this first edition lays the foundation for an annual tradition that promises to grow and positively influence the world of sports and beyond. As we turn the page on this first World Sport Summit, we keep in mind the lessons learned and connections established, eagerly anticipating the next edition that will continue to celebrate and promote the values of sport. Long live sport, long live Cannes!