85 000 €. It's a staggering figure, but it was indeed €85,000 that was raised by the 29th Ovalies UniLaSalle team. The record-breaking cheque was handed over on Wednesday November 6 to Solidarité Paysans, Agir pour le cœur des femmes and Estelada, the 3 associations supported this year by the organizers of Europe's biggest university rugby tournament for solidarity.
In his welcoming speech, Franck Pia, Mayor of Beauvais, underlined the success of the event. "I wanted to express our attachment to this sporting, festive and solidarity-based event. This 29th edition was a great success, and you can be proud to have taken part in this wonderful adventure. Thank you also to the associations for your altruistic commitment. We're very proud to be associated with this generous initiative. We'll be at your side for the start of the 30th Ovalies."
Organized by more than 80 UniLaSalle students with the support of 550 volunteers, the Ovalies UniLaSalle has become a not-to-be-missed event on the Beauvais landscape.
The ceremony, which took place in the salons of Beauvais town hall, also provided an opportunity to take stock of the 29th Ovalies. 73 rugby teams from 55 different schools (including 4 in wheelchair rugby and 4 from abroad) - a total of 1,500 players - 15 cheerleading teams and over 800 supporters were welcomed to the Marcel Communeau stadium on May 10 and 11. For each service, nearly 2,800 meals were prepared and served to the participants.
The event impressed former XV de France international Damien Traille, one of the 4 patrons of this 29th edition, who came all the way from Biarritz to attend the ceremony. "I knew about the Ovalies through social networks and through friends of mine who have been sponsors before, but to experience it for myself is an exceptional experience. A big bravo for the whole organization. When I arrived on the first day and saw the scenery, I had no idea what was going on. It was a truly breathtaking experience. I congratulate you on all your hard work. Now the 29th Ovalies are over. I wish the new team all the best, and hope you do as well or even better!"
An increasingly eco-responsible event
Organizers of the Ovalies UniLaSalle have always been committed to continuous improvement, and each year they bring something new to the table. The year 2024 was no exception to the rule. The organization of all the finals on the main field and the animation of a “nocturnal village” are part of it. But it is in terms of eco-responsibility that the event has made the most progress. Thanks to the efforts of the organizing team, the 29th Ovalies UniLaSalle was awarded the Ecofest label, which recognizes the most environmentally virtuous events. This year, the organizing team also put in place a food waste recovery system, donating surplus food to associations. Finally, the issue of sexist and sexual violence was addressed by training a large number of student organizers in this area.
“When we start this adventure, it's first and foremost for a good cause. It's also an extraordinary human adventure. None of this would be possible without the support of the students and volunteers who have given so much of their time. The strength of the collective is indefinable. We can be very proud of it. Thanks to the Hauts-de-France region, the Oise département, the city of Beauvais, the Communauté d'agglomération du Beauvaisis, the Oise prefecture, the French air force and the BRC. Thank you to our partners and loyal supporters. Thank you to our associations. We hope that the fruits of our labor will enable you to achieve great things. Thank you to our sponsors. Long live Les Ovalies and good luck with the 30th edition.”
Joséphine Lefort, President of the 29th Ovalies UniLaSalle
One event, three causes
As in previous years, all proceeds from the event are donated to charitable organizations. This year, the three organizations chosen represented three causes dear to the organizers.
Solidarité Paysans has been helping farmers in difficulty since 1992, providing support on a wide range of issues such as debt, social rights and changing practices.
Agir pour le cœur des femmes (Acting for women's hearts) carries out cardiovascular disease prevention campaigns aimed at women. With almost 200 deaths every day, heart disease is a major public health issue for women.
Based in the Béarn region of France, Estelada supports the families of sick or disabled children, notably by financing equipment or facilities, or by taking action to improve their living conditions.
"I'm really impressed. I'd like to thank you for this wonderful show of solidarity. We support over 1,000 farmers in difficulty on a voluntary basis. This endowment will enable us to finance investments. Thank you very much!"
"The heart is in you tonight. Thank you for your support and generosity. You can be proud of all you have achieved. The funding you have given us today will enable us to go further, higher and stronger. On behalf of everyone involved, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your commitment. In the context of your studies, it takes a lot of sacrifice to achieve all this. The funds you are going to donate have already been earmarked to enable Justine and her siblings, who suffer from a degenerative disease, to continue to live a normal life by making special arrangements. Thank you for them!"
Moved by the scale of the donations, the representatives of the three associations took the floor to warmly thank the entire team at the 29th Ovalies UniLaSalle. Its president, Joséphine Lefort, was presented with the “Legion of the Heart” by Agir pour le cœur des femmes.
After the traditional photo session, the ceremony ended with the handover to the new organizing team, chaired by Marin Corveller, who will have the onerous task of organizing the 30th anniversary edition.
