The idea of creating an association came to me after the Nyon triathlon, which I participated in for the second time in 2019. Before the competition, I was fortunate enough to have a full page in the local newspaper, "La Côte," to explain my challenge. During the race, along the course, I received tremendous support from people lining the route, as well as from other athletes and organizers. After the event, I received a huge number of congratulatory messages on social media. And I realized to myself that there was a way to raise money for a charity.

 

I then felt the desire to create something bigger, to set myself a new sporting challenge: the Iron YaYa, which I wanted to combine with the creation of a charity. Its name, Sport4Hope, was quickly chosen. The aim was to link hope with sport. But not only that; I also wanted to convey a message of hope to all those suffering from a rare disease or condition, that they too might have the chance to benefit from the arrival of a new medication on the market.

 

For me, sport has always been a source of hope; it has allowed me to persevere and stay in shape. It also offers the chance to bring people together, without differences, without barriers of disability, gender, religion, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.

 

Sport4Hope is a non-profit organization whose objective is to raise funds for research into spinal muscular atrophy, but also all other rare genetic diseases of the same type.

 

Part of the funds raised will be distributed to various associations related to genetic diseases and the Telethon.

 

The other part of the funds will be used to promote sporting events that raise awareness of rare diseases.