Par
Benoit Lesaulnier
Published on
Nov 7 2024 at 5:18 p.m
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“An honor to have a fresco in my name, especially in my region. » The parquet floor of the André-Jidouard d'Argentan gymnasium (Orne) welcomed a guard of honor to acclaim the Olympic vice-champion Normande, Marine Johannès, Wednesday November 6, 2024.
A visit organized as part of the France-Israel match at the Caen sports center Thursday November 7, 2024.
An injury that benefits the City of Argentan
To the music of the Olympic Games, which reminded more than one child of the thrills of summer, the back of the French basketball team took part in the game of selfies and autographs.
“I am delighted with the organization of this meeting with the public and the children, which corresponds to the mentality of our champion”, appreciates Corinne Chassachead of the sports department, behind the arrival of Marine Johannès.
She had been trying to bring in the current player from the Turkish club Mersin for two years.
Basically, we agreed on a return trip so she could concentrate on the match.
This unexpected turnout worked to the advantage of the hundred or so children present to sign jerseys, notebooks and basketballs.
How was the fresco in the image of Marine Johannès created?
This meeting had a particular flavor for Bertrand Godard, better known as Trams. It was he who created the fresco in the image of the basketball player born in Lisieux (Calvados).
He explains how he went about making his work identifiable at first glance.
“I recognized the features of his face very quickly,” remembers the graphist known in Argentan for his paintings on the city walls. The artist based himself on a series of photos of the basketball player to create his creation. “I did the work in reverse, usually we meet the person before drawing them, here it’s the opposite. »
If her tied hair made some of the work easier, it was the look of the 1.77 m Norman woman that marked Trams. “He is a very precise person, you can see it in his eyes. This is the mark of high-level players. » The icing on the cake, the athlete seems to have appreciated the two graphs in his image. Enough to delight Trams which continues to illuminate the city with its projects, often linked to young people.
Already came to Argentan… ten years ago
In front of the public, the one who is also federally elected for the orange ball sport recalled that Marine Johannès was present for the inauguration of the André-Jidouard room10 years ago, when she was still licensed at Mondeville club.
“Naming the 3-on-3 basketball court in the name of the Norman star of the French team was obvious to me,” she adds with the pride of name a site with a feminine name of a sportswoman still in activity.
The player's injury a week earlier allowed the city to benefit from her presence longer than expected.
A brand surprise, the children will be over the moon
His partner on the French team, Gabby Williamswas surprised to be there. Something to delight Norah, Charlotte, Eliza et Gabrielleyoung players aged 12 at PL Argentan.
It's impressive. We are proud to see her on our training ground.
The arrival of these two stars is experienced like a dream: “We consider her a legend, we realize that she is human, like us. With some more qualities anyway,” they laugh.
Impressed by her recent exploits, the young girls risk remember this meeting for a long time.
“The humility of the players”
Pour Pharrell and his mother, Sharingthe presence of the two internationals is an honor. “It shows all the humility of these players who agree to spend time with the children,” comments the mother of the young basketball player who dreams of one day joining the NBA.
The young boy is proud to present his signed outfit. “I love them both,” he admits.
This time of exchange will have allowed Normandy to share a moment of pure friendliness with young people.
France against Israel, Thursday November 7. The meeting can be followed live on the L’Équipe channel.
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