Wednesday 10 April 2013

Vendée Globe : Skippers Received at the Elysée in Paris

 François Gabart with François Hollande. Image copyright Vincent Crutchet/DPPI.

by Bruno Retailleau


Monday, April 8 at 12:30 pm, the President of the French Republic received all of the Vendée Globe skippers and handed on this occasion the Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur insignia to François Gabart, winner of this year edition.

For Bruno Retailleau, President of the SAEM Vendée and present at the Elysée today: “The ceremony was a great way to enhance the sporting and human values of exceptional men and women. The audacity and the dream they gave take every single French people in their wake”.



Vendée Globe skippers at the Elysée in Paris. Image copyright Vincent Curutchet/DPPI.
 
This recognition of the highest authorities of the State also shows the success and influence of the Vendée Globe. The Vendée Globe is at the top of the French sporting heritage and is one of the few events that make France pride internationally. It is an element of national pride that the Vendée is pleased to have been able to create.

 Vendée Globe