Olympic flame carried in Corsica by inclusive sailing association
Mare Inseme, an inclusive sailing association in Corsica, France, has participated in the Olympic torch relay in the build-up to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Pierre Gins, president of Mare Inseme, carried the Olympic flame through Corsica on Tuesday (14 May 2024).
“It is a real recognition for our association, but also for those who work for the most disadvantaged. Inclusion is all about changing the way we look at disability and then moving those lines,” says Gins. “There is so much to do in this area. Being recognised to carry the Olympic flame is a real honour.”
‘Mare Inseme’ translates as ‘sea together’ in Corsican. The association, based in Ajaccio, uses the RS Venture Connect in its keel specification boat and its Seated Control System (SCS) configuration so people with a range of disabilities can experience sailing.
“We address all types of disabilities, including social disabilities,” says Gins. “Even if the latter is not recognised as such, we believe that people, often in great precariousness, suffer from isolation if they are deprived of activities.
“By creating a social bond between them, our volunteers, and the sailing boat, we hope that our modest foundation contributes to a form of joy and reintegration.”
In a statement, Nico Honor, manager of RS Sailing France, congratulates the foundation. “It is great to see Mare Inseme’s commitment to inclusive sailing being rewarded by carrying the Olympic Torch as it travels through the Mediterranean Sea and Corsica,” he says. “It rewards the fact that they bring sailing to many people on the RS Venture Connect.”
The RS Venture Connect’s Seated Control System (SCS) has all mechanisms in the cockpit so everything can be controlled from the seated position. There is also a sip-puff headset option, meaning the boat can be configured to suit virtually all disabilities.
Since October 2022, Mare Inseme says it has supported 330 people with disabilities and 180 accompanying carers with over 170 sailing excursions and 350 half-days of activities.
It also supported the Ajaccio training programme for professional para sailing duo Ange Margaron and Olivier Ducruix. The pair went on to win gold at the Para Sailing World Championships 2023.
RS Sailing says it continues to support Para World Sailing in a bid to re-include Para sailing in the Olympics in the future.
“If you, or one of your loved ones, has a disability or activity limitation, do not hesitate to contact us to find out more,” adds Gins.
The 2024 Paris Olympic Games kick off on 26 July and run until 11 August.
