Legacy, first episode
The inauguration of the new CREPS facilities in Wattignies is the first concrete expression of the dynamic that mobilizes all French athletics and local authorities as the Paris 2020 European Athletics Championships approach.
This new complex is dedicated to athletics, with a completely renovated track and modern infrastructures adapted to the practice of high level athletics. It was inaugurated by André Giraud, President of the French Athletics Federation, in the presence of the President of the Hauts-de-France region, Xavier Bertrand, the Prefect of the North, Michel Lalande, and the President of CREPS de Wattignies’ Board, Philippe Lamblin. “Local authorities have a great opportunity to develop the practice of sport by taking advantage of the organisation of these events (Editor’s note: Paris 2020 and Paris 2024) to invest in public training facilities and structures. It’s the best way to welcome champions to their territories,” André Giraud stressed.
The champions, precisely, attended this inauguration to better affirm the mobilization of the entire French athletics family. Eunice Barber was thus concerned in both ways: a former CREPS resident, the two-time world champion is now involved in the Paris 2020 Organising Committee on the heritage dimension. Jimmy Gressier (homepage picture) and Stella Akakpo, trained in Wattignies and involved in promoting the 2020 European Championships, were also present.
