On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a collective of French athletes including 7 para-athletes started a mobilization at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to highlight the financial crisis affecting them since the closure of the Paris 2024 Games: “the sponsorship cliff”.

The operation, designed by the communication agency ARTEFACT 3000 for Groupe ADP in collaboration with the Club INSEP Alumni, uses a universal airport symbol to demand sustained corporate commitment to adaptive sports.

 

The Operation: A Universal Symbol Hijacked

This morning, seven para-athletes and one athlete renowned for their participation in Paris 2024 positioned themselves strategically in the arrival hall (Terminal 1, baggage claim exit), blending into the crowd awaiting travelers.

Their act was to hijack the iconic airport welcome sign. Instead of displaying the name of a loved one, these athletes brandished signs with a clear, unique message: “CHERCHE SPONSOR” (LOOKING FOR SPONSOR).

The goal is to shock the conscience of business leaders and international travelers passing through one of Europe’s largest hubs, and to show that without funding, there is no training, no equipment, and no medals.

The airport acts as a tribune, a crossroads where thousands of potential sponsors transit daily, ensuring the urgency of the message is seen by those with the power to act.

 

The Delegation of Athletes:

The mobilization includes a collective of top athletes who have recently represented France:

  • Margot Boulet – Para-Rowing
  • Thu Kamkasomphou – Para Table Tennis
  • Nacer Zorgani – Para Judo
  • Eléa Charvet – Para Canoe
  • Marjorie Boigeol – Para Badminton
  • Damien Letulle – Para Archery
  • Hélios Latchoumanaya – Para Judo
  • Souleyman Alaphilippe (Athlete)

 

A Campaign for Sustainable Support

This symbolic event marks the official launch of a large-scale sponsorship campaign. Messages urging companies to get involved are now visible across all DOOH (Digital Out-Of-Home) screens at Parisian Airports and in accompanying press advertisements.

Groupe ADP, which already supports four athletes (including three para-athletes), is taking the initiative to encourage the economic community to join this movement, ensuring the Paralympic legacy of 2024 does not fade. The Club INSEP Alumni (presided over by Stéphane Traineau) ensures concrete impact, having already distributed over €300,000 to finance the preparation and professional future of athletes.