The Diocese of Paris offers 350 tickets for the Olympic Games to people in precarious situations
The Olympic Games are a global highlight for sport, but also an opportunity to promote the values of unity and fraternity more than ever. A mission that the Diocese of Paris has at heart, which is setting up a festive system to welcome people in precarious situations, allowing them to attend events!
Attend a tennis match at the Roland-Garros stadium or watch the athletes tread the purple track at the Stade de France during the Olympic Games. A dream come true for 350 people in precarious situations. As part of the mobilization program of the Church of France Holy Games, the diocese of Paris has purchased tickets to allow isolated or precarious people to attend competitions. The initiative is funded by the Notre-Dame Foundation, which supports more than 200 projects each year to help vulnerable people, particularly through cultural and educational programs.
Individuals in exile, people mistreated by the street or affected by unemployment… they will be taken care of by the four associations responsible for distributing the tickets purchased by the Church and welcoming the beneficiaries during the Olympic Games. These are the Association for Friendship, the Saint-Vincent de Paul Conference, Aux Captifs la Libération and the Jesuit Refugee Service. Located in the premises of the Fondation Napoléon, in the 12th arrondissement of Paris, they are preparing to receive up to 50 people per day.
“It’s not just about handing out tickets like you hand out flyers, but about including this approach in a global reception system so that people in precarious situations and those who accompany them can take part in the festivities,” explains Armelle Herouard, head of communications within the Diocese’s solidarity division.
A zone of fraternity for Parisians
The Diocese of Paris has named the reception area set up at the Fondation Napoléon “La Frat’zone”. On Friday, July 19, during the opening mass of the Olympic truce at the church of La Madeleine, the Archbishop of Paris, Mgr Ulrich, read a letter that the Pope addressed to him on the importance of solidarity during the Games. “I greatly appreciate that you have not forgotten the most vulnerable people, especially those who find themselves in situations of great precariousness, and that access to the celebration is facilitated for them,” wrote the Holy Father.
Sports equipment such as ping-pong tables, football cages, gymnastics vaulting tables, etc. will be made available to adults and children alike, since the scheme is also aimed at families in need. Meals will be provided and day residents will be able to watch the Olympic Games events. A good way to get a feel for the atmosphere in the stadiums before taking their seats, thanks to tickets reserved by the diocese.
Unexpected! On Wednesday, July 24, someone contacted the Diocese of Paris to donate four tickets for the Uzbekistan-Spain Olympic match that same day. A last-minute call and a last-minute organization allowed four young people who had participated in the Summer School to see the match. “They feel privileged and are happy to experience the Olympic Games with the French!”, happily reports Olivia Bouzzeman, project manager for sociocultural activities within the JRS France association.
