Mécèn'Elite Anjou and the Department of Maine-et-Loire initiated a partnership in early 2024 to support Team Anjou. It is within this framework that the Mécèn'Elite Anjou endowment fund and the CCI 49 will award an exceptional endowment to 4 athletes from TEAM ANJOU. Financial support for entrepreneurs to support high-level sport and the attractiveness of the region. The four athletes rewarded are:
Nathan Pilard (table tennis): in accordance with the first idea of rewarding the athlete who has had the most remarkable progress, Nathan stands out from the other athletes of Team Anjou. In fact, he went from 635th place in the world to 17th between his arrival in Team Anjou (October 2022) and today. His seriousness, his involvement and his entourage are certain levers so that this progress does not stop there. He begins his 2024-2025 season with a victory during the international tournament in Montenegro which took place in mid-September. More information on: https://www.maine-et-loire.fr/conseil-departemental/missions/sport/teamanjou/nathan-pilard
Abdoullah Ait Bella (para-badminton): A talented young para-badminton player, Abdoullah is also one of the best communicators on this team. He recounts his life journey both on TV sets and in companies that ask him to give high-level conferences. Suffering from a disability in his right arm following a medical error during his birth, he gives everything on and off the field to obtain the place he deserves. Currently 2nd French in his category, he is aiming for the Los Angeles Games in 2028. Beneficiary of the allowance for disabled adults, Abdoullah depends on aid from his partners. More information on https://www.maine-et-loire.fr/conseil-departemental/missions/sport/teamanjou/abdoullah-ait-bella.
Léa Palermo (badminton) : courage and perseverance are the two adjectives that best define Léa’s personality. Member of the French badminton team until 2021, pre-selected for the Paris Olympics, Léa suffered two serious injuries in quick succession. First a rupture of the cruciate ligaments in her right knee at the end of 2021, she managed to get up and work for more than a year to return to the badminton courts. Barely recovered from this injury, it was his left knee ligaments that gave way. Today at 31, she is back after these two terrible injuries at her best level and is currently second French in mixed doubles despite this very long period away from the field. She talks about her journey with intensity every time she is given the opportunity, particularly on Eurosport where she commented on badminton matches during this summer's Olympics. More information on https://www.maine-et-loire.fr/conseil-departemental/missions/sport/teamanjou/lea-palermo.
Alexis Goury (eventing competition): Coming from Saumur training, this rider from the Paris region created his business in Anjou. After 4 consecutive participations in the Mondial du Lion, he finished 9th in the 2024 edition. Alexis is both a meticulous rider and a versatile business manager. Owner of the Ecorse stud farm in Morannes, his skills range from dressage, coaching, breeding to welcoming the public. Loyal and grateful to his partners who support him in his career, he will be touched and will know how to thank those who invest in his project. More information on https://www.maine-et-loire.fr/conseil-departemental/missions/sport/teamanjou/alexis-goury.
