After playing a key role during the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Olympic Village bridge, connecting L'Île-Saint-Denis to the Pleyel district in Saint-Denis, is preparing to officially open its doors.
Saturday, December 7, from 2 p.m., residents of Seine-Saint-Denis are invited to participate in a festive event marking the inauguration of this bridge which will now bear the name of Louafi Bouguera, the first Franco-Algerian Olympic gold medalist.
A bridge serving soft mobility and territorial cohesion
With its 138 meters long above the Seine, the Louafi Bouguera bridge is entirely reserved for pedestrians, cyclists and buses. Built by the Department of Seine-Saint-Denis, in partnership with SOLIDEO (Olympic Works Delivery Company) and the Greater Paris Metropolis, it is part of a broader ambition: to promote soft mobility and open up the territories. .
The infrastructure will allow easier access to the Saint-Denis-Pleyel station and its transport lines, notably line 14, but also future lines 15, 16 and 17 of the Grand Paris Express. “ This bridge is part of an ambitious policy of transformation of public space, with an emphasis on peaceful and sustainable traffic. », underlines Corentin Duprey, vice-president responsible for sustainable mobility within the Department.
A tribute to Louafi Bouguera, a forgotten hero
By giving this bridge the name of Louafi Bouguera, Seine-Saint-Denis pays tribute to an athlete unjustly forgotten. Born in Algeria in 1898, the athlete made history by winning the marathon at the Amsterdam Olympic Games in 1928, becoming the first Franco-Algerian Olympic gold medalist. Despite this feat, his career was overshadowed by racism, which quickly relegated him to anonymity.
After a sporting career marked by exclusion, he led a difficult life, between emigration to the United States and small jobs in France. His memory was briefly revived in 1956 by the tribute of his compatriot Alain Mimoun, but it remains largely unknown.
« By naming this bridge Louafi Bouguera, we wish to honor his memory and remind the generations of today and tomorrow of his heroic journey. », declares the Department of Seine-Saint-Denis.
A festive and cultural inauguration day
The official inauguration of the bridge will take place on December 7, 2024, with meetings scheduled for 2 p.m. at two access points: Place Blanche in Saint-Denis and in front of the Jean Lurçat school in L'Île-Saint-Denis. From 3:30 p.m., numerous cultural and creative activities will await participants.
The inauguration day will be punctuated by a fanfare of percussion and saxophone led by Sarah Ouattara, ambassador of the In Seine-Saint-Denis label, bringing a festive and vibrant touch to the event. Participants will also be able to enjoy an original and spectacular stroll carried out by the Chavanes Sisters, who will offer a captivating stilt walker show for young and old.
Creative and ecological workshops will be there. Visitors will be able, for example, to make goodies from plastic caps with SAMJI or create pouches from recycled tarpaulins from the Olympic Games with the Pik Pik Environnement association. Finally, food stands will offer something to delight your taste buds: mini-pancakes, croffles, popcorn and hot drinks will be offered for a gourmet and friendly moment.
A highlight of the day will be the screening, at 6 p.m. at the L'Écran cinema in Saint-Denis, of a short film entitled “In the footsteps of Louafi Bouguera” in Saint-Denis. Made by local middle and high school students, this film looks back on the life and exploits of the athlete. The screening will be followed by a time of discussion in the presence of his family and the film crew.
A legacy of the Games, concrete and lasting
Built to connect the two parts of the Olympic Village during the Games, the Louafi Bouguera Bridge will now be a symbol of the legacy left by this global event. It demonstrates the Department's commitment to accessibility and sustainable mobility, while paying tribute to a little-known sporting figure. “ The time for inheritance, concrete, useful and lasting, has come for the inhabitants of Seine-Saint-Denis “, affirms the Department.
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