Emmanuel Batardière

Emmanuel Batardière will carry the Olympic Torch. This is his story:

Emmanuel truly embodies the spirit of volunteering. As a firefighter and organiser of sporting events, he is fully committed to making sport shine and promoting shared values throughout the region. He was behind the creation of the association “Les Pousseurs de Bonheur”, which brings together running enthusiasts who offer people with disabilities the chance to take part in all sporting events, whether local or international.

Thanks to his efforts, it has been possible to fund the purchase of several joëlette wheelchairs, allowing many local parasports athletes to take part in running races and trails. Emmanuel and the other able-boded volunteers become the legs, arms and eyes of the athletes they carry, helping them to move forwards, progress and enjoy life to the full. For Emmanuel, happiness is a contagious emotion that spreads when shared simply and sincerely.