During the last gathering of the XV of France, Antoine Dupont shared a very emotional moment with a four-year-old child suffering from a rare disease.
The French Rugby star made someone happy. During the fall tour of the French XV, which won its three matches against Japan, New Zealand and Argentina, Antoine Dupont met Marius, a young 4-year-old boy suffering from very rare form of glycogenosis, a genetic disease that affects the muscles and prevents him from walking.
« It was following genetic testing, when he was two and a half years old, that we got the diagnosis. It is so rare that there is no research in France on this disease. (…) There is obviously frustration for him. He absolutely wanted to be a rugby player and wondered why he couldn't walk or play rugby standing. He had a breakthrough when he went to see a wheelchair rugby match », Confided his mother Laurence.
“We are also inspired by seeing this little boy”
As part of the 2024 Telethon, France 2 allowed little Marius to make his dream come true by attending a Blues training session. But also to spend a moment with Antoine Dupont. He even had the chance to wear around his neck the gold medal won by the Stade Toulousain scrum half during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
“It’s beautiful to see that he has this passion for sport and rugby, how much it can inspire him and give him strength. We are also inspired by seeing this little boy with so much mentality and strength”breathed Antoine Dupont. A moment that young Marius will certainly not forget.
France
Rugby
