This is not a first! But it remains “an immense source of pride”, underlined the mayor, Isabelle Assih, a few weeks ago: as in 1994 and 2001, Quimper was chosen this year by the AFM-Téléthon to be Ambassador City for the 38th edition, in alongside Bonifacio (Corsica), Avesnes-sur-Helpe (North) and Firminy (Loire). On November 29 and 30, 2024, France TV cameras will be focused on these cities for thirty hours of airtime.
The opportunity for Force T Quimper, chaired by Jean-Yves Bajeux, and for all the actors mobilized in this fight against rare diseases (around sixty local structures in total), to concoct a special program, “between tradition and modernity” , “aiming to raise public awareness while raising funds for research and support for families affected by these rare pathologies”, insists the municipality. She, who encourages the population to do even better than last year. In 2023, nearly €41,000 had in fact been collected in Quimper; almost 93 million euros nationally.
Pancake marathon, concerts and diving
For two days, the activities and challenges will multiply. Place Saint-Corentin, in particular, the beating heart of the Telethon, where a village and a stage will be installed. It is from here that the kick-off will be given, on Friday, at 6 p.m. The Quimper cyclo club, the Quimper cyclo club, the Vélo sport Quimper and Quimper triathlon will then set off for the KM challenge intended to connect the four ambassador cities. At the same time, the billigs will start heating up, during the big challenge of 10,000 pancakes. The Cornouaille Walkers will organize hikes for the benefit of the Telethon (€5). At the foot of the cathedral, around 7:15 p.m., a collective of bagadoublis and Celtic circles will take the stage, while schoolchildren will embark on a torchlight march. At 8 p.m., head to the Dan Ar Braz room for an XXL fest-noz (€5). And from 8:15 p.m., Place Saint-Corentin, the stage will come to life with K Smile, DJ Kaou Tea, a drag queen show in the presence of Britany Hart, Titouan…
From 7 p.m., you will also have to go to Aquarive, where another challenge will await four clubs and associations: they will complete lengths to reach 198 km, the Quimper/Dinan distance. Introductory diving and Eskimo rides will also be offered (€5).
Abseiling down from the cathedral
On Saturday, there is no question of letting up the effort. At 11:15 a.m., there's live France TV duplex from Quimper, hosted by Carole Gaessler and Raphäl Yem, in the presence of singer Hervé, the city's godfather for this event. Just before, Kenleur will invite the dancers to participate in the longest gavotte, lasting twelve hours. At 12:40 p.m., Place Saint-Co will also host a giant flash mob in sailor shirts. From 2 p.m., Quimper leisure jogging will offer a Frugy challenge (€5). From 2 p.m. and until the evening, several groups and singers will also perform on the square and in the cathedral. A building towards which all eyes will be turned on Saturday, since the Grimpeurs de l'Odet and Carole Gaessler will abseil down the north tower. In the afternoon, members of the French mountain and climbing federation will also be able to do the descent, for the benefit of the Telethon…
Practical
France
