THE GENERAL COUNCIL : SPORTING ENERGY
IN THE HEART OF THE DEPARTMENT

WELCOME IN ALPES-MARITIMES

Running is in the fore with the creation of the MARATION DES ALPES MARITIMES, which will take place on November 9th 2008...

Emblematic event of courage, surpassing oneself and effort, the marathon originated thanks to the extraordinary achievement of a young Athenian, Philippides. In 490 B.C., he ran the 40 km distance separating the plain of Marathon and the city of Athens, in order to announce to his fellow citizens the heroic victory of the Greek army against the Persian invaders.

Centuries later, these values have once again the place of honour for this first Marathon des Alpes-Maritimes, already major sporting event and featuring a unique natural environment where performance and heritage discovery go hand in hand.

A unique marathon between water and mountains...

Along its exceptional route, boarding beaches, creeks and rocky shores, runners from around the world will primarily push themselves to the limit over the 42.195 kilometers of waterside separating the historic Promenade des Anglais in Nice and the mythical Croisette in Cannes.

The General Council of Alpes-Maritimes is the preferred partner of this marathon, organised by the well-renown Azur Sport Organisation, who was awarded following the call for tenders 06/06/06.

The General Council, a preferred partner of sporting events.

The General Council of Alpes-Maritimes supports numerous events that are of great interests for the Alpes-Maritimes department in terms of sustainability, touristic competitiveness and dynamism, entertainment, reputation in sporting competition and reinforcement of the department's identity.
• The Open International de Bloc d’escalade of Colmiane in August,
• Tthe Open gaz de France de Tennis of Cagnes-sur-mer in April,
• The Rallye d’Antibes in October,
• and the Europétanque of Azur in July,
represent today quintessential events in the Alpes-Maritimes.

On July 22 2008, our department will welcome the Tour de France across the Col de la Lombarde (2351 meters) and the Col de la Bonette-Restefond (2802 meters), in the heart of the Mercantour National Park.

The department embodies a human force full of vivacity and inventiveness when it comes to its sports clubs for the year 2007: 2569 clubs, 62 disciplines and 234 669 licensees, all disciplines put together.

The General Council, a preferred partner of sporting lifestyle..

• • By means of grants or material donations, the Council favours the growth of sport activities, and today in 2007, the Council has established a partnership with approximately 326 sporting events.

• The General Council supports high-performance sports and professional clubs of the Alpes Maritimes, and encourages its sports elite during international events. In 2006, 45 sportsmen and women were awarded a total amount of 67 000 euros.

• For collèges students, the General Council of Alpes-Maritimes supports and develops ski and sailing activities in collaboration with Dispositif Montagne and Dispositif Mer, facilitating access to these activities by means of availability of material, free courses and transportation.

• The General Council manages three snow and altitude schools in Auron, La Colmiane – Valdeblore and Valberg, along with a unique sea school, located in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. These schools welcome children and teenagers in school periods and during breaks, allowing them to discover and practice all activities linked to the mountain and the sea...

Throughout its actions, the General Council thrives in developing sports activities for disabled persons : namely through Handi Voile, which gives disabled persons and their families the opportunity to navigate the majestic waters of our shoreline in sailing boats, all year long.

Finally, in order to preserve and value the department's environment, the General Council manages and accommodates its natural parks. It maintains and marks up 4500 km of exceptional hiking trails, which you can preview here www.randoxygene.org.

Join us on November 9th, 2008 for the 1st MARATHON DES ALPES MARITIMES: exciting activities will take place at the departure, along the course and at the finish line...