EBP ALUMNI at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games
13 September 2024
The EBPiennes who had the honor of carrying the Olympic flame
Stéphanie Noguès Besson, Alumni EBP, Promotion 2007
Stéphanie Noguès Besson, daughter of the great athlete Colette BESSON, shares her emotions with us from the Olympic torch relay.
A look back at an unforgettable Sunday in Cassis, on the occasion of the Olympic torch relay on May 12, 2024.
“The day after my sister’s relay in Forcalquier, I had the chance to welcome the flame, which arrived by paddle in the cove of Port Miou. »
“What an immense emotion to wear this prestigious symbol in honor of my mother, in this magnificent city of Cassis where we shared such beautiful moments as part of the Marseille-Cassis classic, and to be surrounded by my loved ones.
I was happy to see the exceptional enthusiasm that this relay was able to generate. Joy, smiles, moments of sharing with young and old, all these moments of humanity and fraternity that only sport can bring to life with such intensity. Thank you to the entire organization of the torch relay, to the other scouts, to the volunteers for helping to make this day unique. »
Aurore Schartzentruber, Alumni EBP, Promotion 2011
As I sit down to reflect on what was undoubtedly one of the most memorable moments of my life, I’m finding it hard to put into words the myriad of emotions I experienced.
Being chosen as a torchbearer for the Paris 2024 Olympics was an honor that I will definitely never forget. The weight of the torch in my hands was light compared to the weight of the honor given to me. It was not just a piece of metal but a beacon of hope, unity, and peace. I was buzzing with pride at every step, feeling super pumped to be part of something much bigger than myself.
I am deeply honored and profoundly grateful to The Coca-Cola Company for entrusting me with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Their belief in me to represent such universal values of excellence, friendship, and respect is something I will cherish forever; it is a little girl’s dream come true, and a moment in time where everything felt perfectly aligned.
As I was carrying the torch, watching my husband and my kids smile and wave, I was having this deep, personal moment. It’s been 20 years since I lost my mom, but it felt like she was right there with me, especially since I was carrying number 58, the year she was born. And then, out of nowhere, the rain stopped, and the sun came out just as I had the torch. It felt like she was watching over me, giving me a sign. Mom, I hope I made you proud.
To everyone reading this, let us always chase the light, even on the rainiest of days. The sun is always gonna be there, waiting right behind the clouds. Let’s keep our torches up high and illuminating the darkness, together. 🌟
Maike Barth, Alumni EBP Promotion 2006
A Dream Assignment: Eiffel Tower Stadium
Choosing the Path of Volunteering
For an exceedingly long time, I have had a big dream: to be part of the Olympic Games. Why? To me, they are the greatest sports festival in the world. It is a time when athletes from so many countries come together, highlighting sports that often do not get much media attention. The dedication and passion of the athletes are palpable, and these emotions resonate not only with the athletes but also with the spectators and all the staff involved in the Games.
Since becoming an athlete at that level was not in the cards for me, and I am quite satisfied with my professional career, volunteering seemed like the perfect way to be involved. So, a year and a half ago, I applied for the volunteer program for Paris 2024. The application process was rigorous, and competition was fierce, with 350,000 people from around the globe vying for a spot. When I received the news that I was one of the 45,000 selected, I was ecstatic. It felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of something truly special.
My Role in Press Operations
The Olympic volunteer program offers a wide range of roles, and assignments are determined based on the needs of the Games. There are many ways to contribute, from ushering spectators to assisting with coordination and supporting the athletes’ teams. I was assigned to the Press Operations department, specifically to the ‘Photo’ team. This team is crucial as it supports the photographers who capture the iconic moments of the Games that the world sees.
The ‘Photo’ team ensures that photographers have everything they need to do their jobs effectively, from providing access to key areas to managing the workflow around the venues. We help them get the best shots, whether it is a stunning action photo of an athlete or a breathtaking view of the venue.
One of the most exciting aspects of my assignment was the venue. I was placed at the beach volleyball venue, housed in the specially constructed Eiffel Tower Stadium. This temporary arena is located right on the Champs de Mars, with the Eiffel Tower as a stunning backdrop. The location alone adds an incredible dimension to the experience—there is something magical about watching beach volleyball matches with one of the world’s most iconic landmarks in the background.
Daily Life as a Volunteer
Volunteering at the Olympics has been an exhilarating experience. The energy in the stadium is infectious. Fans from all over the world come together, creating a vibrant and diverse atmosphere. The athletes’ performances are awe-inspiring, highlighting not only their skills but also their resilience, especially when competing under challenging conditions like the intense heat, which sometimes reached up to 45 degrees Celsius.
In my role, I spend 6-7 hours per shift at the edge of the court, ensuring that everything runs smoothly for the photographers. This includes managing their access to different shooting locations, troubleshooting technical issues, and ensuring they have the support they need to capture the essence of the event. The work is intense but incredibly rewarding. Being part of the behind-the-scenes operations gives me a unique perspective on how much effort goes into making the Games successful.
There is a whole ecosystem of people working around the field: athletes, medical staff, referees, TV crews, sound technicians, announcers, DJs, and photographers. Each group plays a vital role in the overall production, and it all comes together like a well-oiled machine, thanks to the coordination between the Paris 2024 staff and volunteers. It is amazing to see how everyone contributes to the larger picture.
On my days off, I have made the most of my time by exploring other events.I had the chance to attend the athletics competitions at the Stade de France and discover freely accessible events such as the cycle racing or the champions park at Trocadéro, where the atmosphere was just as electrifying. Seeing athletes push the limits of human performance is inspiring, no matter the sport.
I also visited the German House, a special venue for German athletes, fans, and officials. It was fascinating to see how each country has its own space to celebrate and support their teams. The German House even featured a fan zone, offering a unique way to connect with other fans and share in the excitement of the Games.
An Unforgettable Experience
Being a part of Paris 2024 has been an extraordinary journey. The experience has not only allowed me to be close to the action but also to be part of a global community that celebrates excellence, diversity, and unity. The friendships I have made and the stories I have been a part of will stay with me forever. It is incredibly exciting to have dived into this new world and contributed to making the Games a success. Being part of the Olympics, even in a supportive role, has given me a unique perspective on this grand event and has truly been an unforgettable journey.
Maike Barth – Luebcke
Sustainability Manager for Supply Chain Framework
Séverine TEZIER, Alumni de la Promotion 1992
Very proud to be part of Paris 2024 at the Aquatic Center along a fantastic team of volunteers from around the world. It’s an honor to be immersed in this world of sporting excellence. Dream big, never give up and achieve your goals 🎯
Estelle BOUSSARD - MAYRINGER, Alumni de la Promotion 1995
A sporty and magical summer in sublime Paris!
My experience of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games
It was crazy and magical, because I experienced the Olympics through 4 different experiences!
- Volunteer in Paris 2024 :
A unique volunteer experience, which allowed me to meet people of all nationalities sharing values of solidarity, kindness and a desire to make these Games a global sporting and human success 😃 In short, it was a bit like a meeting former EBPs! Paris 2024 volunteer on the cycling events (at the Château de Vincennes)
- Spectator at competition sites :
The organization was impeccable and the beauty of certain sites (Invalides, Concorde urban park…) amazed me. There was a crazy atmosphere everywhere. What a joy to see athletes rewarded with medals for their years of hard work!
- Spectators in fan zones:
Installed all over Paris, often at the foot of historical monuments, the fan zones allowed us to follow the competitions perfectly while feeling part of the collective. I had the chance to go to Club France twice, where the French medalists were acclaimed every evening, including once with alumni from the 1995 EBP class: Emmanuelle Luzoir, Sébastien Cazabonne and David Ramiaramanana.
- Participant in the 10km Marathon for All :
What fervor from the public, what an atmosphere! We really felt like Olympic athletes, especially during our visit to the Louvre 🤩 It was a joy to have been drawn to participate in this race with my daughter Laura and to be encouraged by the family and friends! The organization was once again impeccable, with a beautiful medal on arrival and a certificate: we were treated like real athletes 🙏🏃♀️ Fortunately, the Paralympic Games allow us to marvel once again at sporting exploits and incredible atmospheres 🤩
Emmanuelle LUZOIR, Alumni EBP – Promotion 19995
A once in a lifetime experience
I experienced an extraordinary sporting and human adventure this summer, an adventure that began in early 2024.
My company, as an Olympic and Paralympic main partner, aimed to offer its employees initiatives and activities to strengthen sports practice, reduce sedentary lifestyles and improve team cohesion. So internal and external operations related to sport were built, in which I was able to take part.
My main mission was to organize a national sitting volleyball final where all the group’s entities were represented at INSEP last May. 17 qualified mixed teams were able to compete in a para-sport refereed by officials from the French Federation. For me, it was an important, stressful but enriching project where I was able to discover a discipline that I knew little about and manage this event in project mode from start to finish.
I also supported colleagues participating in the « 10km and marathon for all » in a fan zone near Les Invalides on August 10th. Then, I accompanied colleagues carrying out the Paralympic torch relay in Lourdes on August 25th and facilitated the photo and video report.
The holy grail of this adventure was to experience the Games Times of the Olympic Games and the Paralympics up close and to host friendly sporting events every day during the lunch break at the company’s head office.
Beyond having had the chance to attend sporting events at the Olympic and Paralympic Games, I remember from this 2024 experience great human encounters, sporting discoveries, a fervor, a joy, and a unique atmosphere in Paris as well as a strong feeling of friendliness and sportiness among supporters from all over the world.
Beautiful images to remember and still stars in my eyes!!
