Gil Avérous has been appointed as the new Minister of Sports, Youth, and Associative Life, succeeding Amélie Oudéa-Castéra. As mayor of Châteauroux, he played a pivotal role in the city’s preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympics, showcasing his commitment to sport’s central role in society. Known for his connections to Nicolas Sarkozy, Avérous transitions into national politics with a vision for sports that emphasizes unity and investment.
In an unexpected twist of fate, on Saturday, September 21, Gil Avérous found himself at the helm of French sports as the newly appointed Minister of Sports, Youth, and Associative Life, succeeding Amélie Oudéa-Castéra. This appointment, announced by Prime Minister Michel Barnier, marks a significant milestone not only for Avérous but for the country, as he becomes the fourth person to take on this role since President Macron’s administration began in 2017 and the first male minister for sports in this period. “It is an immense honor to be appointed as Minister of Sports, Youth, and Associative Life. Thank you to the President and the Prime Minister for their trust. Now, let’s get to work!” Avérous expressed his joy on his social media platform, setting the stage for his new responsibilities amid the looming Paris 2024 Olympics. Remarkably, this is Avérous’s first venture into government after a long political career that began in 1995. As the mayor of Châteauroux since 2014, he has diligently worked to elevate his community’s profile, notably facilitating the hosting of shooting events for the upcoming Olympic Games. His leadership has seen Châteauroux invest over 10 million euros to improve sports facilities, aiming to create a vibrant environment for athletes far from the bustling Paris atmosphere. Described by Jean-Philippe Acensi, president of the Agency for Education through Sport (APELS), as “a great connoisseur of the place of sport,” Avérous understands the vital role sports play within the fabric of society. His commitment extends beyond local competition; he champions a cohesive national sports policy that he believes can unite the nation. In a reflection of this passion, he asserted, “The sport is an unparalleled national unifier, essential for cohesion, and we must invest in it.” Avérous’s political journey has intertwined with prominent figures, most notably Nicolas Sarkozy, who serves as his mentor. Since departing from his position in the Republicans late last year due to political disagreements, he has identified as belonging to the diverse right, supporting candidates like François Jolivet in the recent legislative elections. Furthermore, since September 2022, Avérous has been leading the Association of Cities of France, representing towns populated between 10,000 and 100,000 residents. His tenure has been marked by the organization of numerous national and international sporting events, reinforcing his commitment to both local enrichment and the broader sports community. Gil Avérous steps into the world stage of sports governance with a rich tapestry of local experience, a significant network of political connections, and a vision of harnessing sports for national cohesion. The road ahead is poised with challenges, but with his established track record, he seems ready to embrace the journey ahead.
The recent appointment of Gil Avérous as France’s Minister of Sports comes at a crucial time as the nation gears up for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. His previous role as the mayor of Châteauroux has positioned him uniquely, having been instrumental in securing Olympic events for his city. The changing dynamics within French politics, alongside Avérous’s evolving political identity, frame his new role as a response to both local and national aspirations for sports development.
Gil Avérous’s appointment as the Minister of Sports heralds a new chapter in French sports administration. With a solid background as a local leader dedicated to enhancing his community’s sports infrastructure, Avérous is set to influence sports policy on a national scale. His passion for cohesion through sports, coupled with a strategic vision shaped by notable political connections, positions him as a promising figure in realizing France’s Olympic dreams.
Original Source: www.ouest-france.fr
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