The Alfred Nakache prize, organized by the Unified Jewish Social Fund in partnership with the Department, is much more than a sporting competition. The second edition, which was held this November 21 at the Cercle des Nageurs de Marseille, honors the memory of Alfred Nakache, swimmer and survivor of the Shoah.
This annual meeting mobilizes young people from Marseille around a freestyle swimming competition in a 4×50 meter relay. This year, students from five establishments responded: the Gyptis, Longchamp, Gaston Defferre, Notre Dame de la Major and Ort Léon Bramson colleges.
This year, 55 middle school students competed in a friendly atmosphere under the benevolent gaze of a prestigious jury, composed in particular of Pierre Assouline, member of the Goncourt Academy and author of the book “Le nageur”, Lionel Stora, president of the FSJU and Jean Castelli, deputy president of the Cercle des Nageurs de Marseille.
To be faithful to the values of solidarity of this prize, the winners won a free year of swimming lessons at the Cercle des Nageurs de Marseille intended for four students in their class who do not know how to swim or swim poorly.
A tribute to Alfred Nakache, symbol of resilience
The event was marked by poignant interventions recalling the legacy of this exceptional champion nicknamed the “Auschwitz swimmer”. As Pierre Assouline pointed out, alongside Paul Leccia, president of the CNM: “ He was the only top athlete who was selected for the 1936 Berlin Olympics and the 1948 London Olympics and in between to survive the Auschwitz camp and death marches ».
« It is a pleasure to have been able to present this award with the help of the Department. The involvement of institutions in the perpetuation of this duty of memory is crucial », specified Lionel Stora.
The Department, a key player in solidarity
During the competition, Martine Vassal, President of the Departmental Council, recalled the Department's commitment to transmitting republican values and supporting educational and sporting projects: “Thanks to projects like the Alfred Nakache Prize, we become actors in a more respectful and fairer society. This prize is a fantastic opportunity to transmit universal values to younger generations: those of solidarity, fraternity and team spirit. ».
Visit the Alfred Nakache Prize page
Photos : © Guillaume Ruoppolo
