Société Générale is a proud partner of the French Federation of Sport for the Disabled (FFH). More than just a simple marketing strategy, Société Générale’s partnership plays an essential role in the life of the French Federation of Sport for the Disabled.

Société Générale supports all of the initiatives organised by this body, including the RENCONTRES EDF HANDISPORT in Paris.

An introduction to disabled sports in Paris
The fourth “Rencontres EDF Handisport” took place in Paris on 10 and 11 September. Under the watchful eye of numerous champions, both adults and children were able to get a feel for various disabled sports.

The “Rencontres” gave the public the chance to discover the wide variety of disabled sports available and even get involved! Société Générale was also present to underscore the Group’s commitment to supporting the French disabled sport federation (FFH).

Cécile Jouenne-Lanne, Head of the Citizenship department at Societe Generale, said, “Our presence over the two days allowed us to reaffirm Societe Generale’s commitment to the French disabled sport federation (FFH). Thanks to the FFH, which encourages and helps young people getting involved in various sporting activities, sport is becoming a genuine means of integration.”

Société Générale supports disabled athletes at every level, from Olympic performers to young people.

To this end, the Group was delighted to be partner of the 7th Grand Prix National des Jeunes Handisport in France. From 12 to 15 May 2010, around 200 physically handicapped young people, aged between 10 and 20, were at Berck-sur-Mer (Nord-Pas-de-Calais) for this national event organised by the Fédération Française Handisport. 27 6-man teams from all around France competed in around 20 or so disciplines (athletics, shooting, water sports, etc.) that gave the public a chance to see the best young sportsmen in action.

Disabled athletes are first and foremost athletes. This has been Société Générale's leitmotif since the start of its partnership with the FFH.

The bank supported the athletes who took part in the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing and won 52 medals for France, encouraging them via a specific media campaign.

In 2009, the Group was the main sponsor of three major events being held in France: the 2009 U/23 Wheelchair World Championships, running from 7 to 15 July in Paris, the IBSA Five a Side Football European Championships for the blind and visually impaired (Nantes, 26 June to 5 July) and the “Jeux Nationaux de l'Avenir Handisport” for disabled sports (Angers, 20 to 24 May). Every year, this event brings together several hundred young disabled people and receives a particular boost from the very active involvement of local Société Générale branches. A lot of Group employees also get involved as volunteers.

The 2010 Paralympic Games took place in Vancouver from 12th to 21st March. Societe Generale was particularly proud to accompany the athletes of the French Team on the Canadian slopes. The French delegation was made up of 50 people, including 21 athletes and 4 sports guides. France took part in three disciplines: downhill and cross-country skiing and the biathlon. At the end of the Games, the French delegation can congratulate itself on having reached this target; with six medals won in Vancouver, they finished the competition... in tenth place! In the end, France won one gold medal, four silver and one bronze.
The Group, on behalf of all its employees, would like to congratulate the French delegation for its outstanding performance on the Canadian slopes.