In Champigny-sur-Marne (Val-de-Marne)a street now bears the name of Surya Bonaly. The plaque was inaugurated this Friday, December 20, in the presence of the famous champion of figure skating herself. The event took place at the municipal ice rink, which was celebrating its fiftieth anniversary on this occasion.
Located in the extension of Boulevard Jules Guesde, on part of Rue Juliette de Wils, Rue Surya Bonaly was inaugurated this Friday at 6 p.m. Mayor Laurent Jeanne was obviously present at the event, as were several personalities from the world of skating including the president of the Île-de-France Ice Sports League, figure skating coach and commentator Annick Dumont, or the sports journalist Nelson Montfort.
“I always think of Champigny”
As recounted The ParisianSurya Bonaly started training at the age of 12. “Everything changed as soon as I set foot on this ice rink,” she explained to the audience this Friday evening. She visited this place for eight years, while she lived nearby with her parents.
A native of Nice (Alpes-Maritimes), Surya Bonaly also emphasized not having returned to this neighborhood for a very long time. “My heart is heavy. It’s my adopted city,” confided the woman who has lived for more than 25 years in the United States – where she teaches her discipline – ensuring that despite everything, she “always thinks of Champigny” and of the people who have made she “a great champion”.
“You have inspired generations of skaters and you still inspire them”
During this event, young skaters presented a show and the champion made a brief return to the ice. The president of the Île-de-France Ice Sports League told her: “You were the first skater to attempt numerous combinations of figures in competitions, you inspired generations of skaters and you still inspire them. »
During this evening, Surya Bonaly also took part in a signing session. Although she left a lasting mark on the history of her discipline, she declared: “I am a little shy even though I have performed in front of thousands of people. » An exhibition of photos from the “Surya Bonaly era” was also installed in the entrance to the ice rink, retracing his exceptional career.
How can you help us stay informed?
Epoch Times is a free and independent media outlet, receiving no public support and not belonging to any political party or financial group. Since our creation, we have faced unfair attacks to silence our information, particularly on human rights issues in China. This is why we are counting on your support to defend our independent journalism and to continue, thanks to you, to make the truth known.
