FRANCE. TFWA has teamed up with French accessible sports charity Stade Toulousain Handisport for the third edition of its inclusive sports programme, ‘Yes We Cannes!’
The purpose-driven sporting activities, initiated and co-organised by Swiss research agency m1nd-set, are set to take place ahead of the TFWA World Exhibition and Conference in Cannes (28 September-2 October). TFWA has supported the initiative from its inception as a major donor.
Since its introduction in 2023, the initiative has successfully raised over €28,000 for disability-focused Stade Toulousain Handisport. The programme has drawn strong support from TFWA, m1nd-set and various industry contributors, including anonymous donors, creating a meaningful impact within the travel retail community.
The Sunday morning sports activity offers participants a chance to engage in blind football, goalball and wheelchair rugby – a team sport specifically designed for individuals with visual impairments. They are guided by players and coaches from Stade Toulousain Handisport, France’s leading wheelchair rugby team.
Pablo Neuman, the charity’s Founder and President who introduced wheelchair rugby to France after becoming paraplegic in 2023, will also contribute his expertise to the initiative.
The ‘Yes We Cannes!’ 2025 edition will be a free event included in the official TFWA programme for all association members. Participants and companies are encouraged to make voluntary donations to the charity, with sponsorship opportunities also available.
TFWA President Philippe Margueritte commented: “As the newly elected President of TFWA, I am immensely proud to reaffirm our commitment to the ‘Yes We Cannes!’ initiative. This inclusive sports programme encapsulates the values of community, resilience and empowerment that define our association.
“In collaboration with Stade Toulousain Handisport, m1nd-set and the many supporters across the industry who have championed this cause over the past two years, we strive to create meaningful change, raise awareness and provide critical support to those who confront extraordinary challenges every day.
“I invite everyone in the travel retail sector to be part of this impactful journey, demonstrating that together we have the power to make a lasting difference.”
Stade Toulousain President Pablo Neuman added: “We are profoundly thankful to TFWA for continuing its unwavering support for the third consecutive year, to m1nd-set for initiating this incredible programme, and to the many companies and individuals who have participated and contributed along the way.
“We eagerly anticipate reconnecting with industry friends in Cannes this year and introducing even more participants to the exciting and often unfamiliar sports activities we offer.”
Neuman continued: “These programmes empower physically and mentally disabled adults and children, fostering inclusion, resilience and joy. It is a privilege to share this journey with such a dedicated community.”
m1nd-set Owner and CEO Peter Mohn commented: “We are immensely grateful to TFWA for continuing to provide a platform to champion accessibility within the global travel retail community, and we are proud to be part of this impactful initiative. For the 2025 edition, m1nd-set is excited to step up our involvement to further highlight the importance of accessibility in travel and travel retail.
“We are thrilled to introduce the ‘Yes We Cannes!’ Handi-Bikathon, an initiative designed to bring even greater attention to this vital cause.
“Our Events and Public Relations Director, Michael Barrett, will undertake a challenging journey on a handcycle – a specially adapted bicycle for individuals with disabilities – from Toulouse to Cannes in the week leading up to the TFWA World Exhibition in September,” Mohn continued. “Joining him on this more-than-500km journey across southern France will be a member of Stade Toulousain’s wheelchair rugby team.
“Together, they aim to raise awareness and funds for accessibility in travel. We invite sponsors from across the industry to support this effort, and we welcome all donations and media coverage to help amplify our message and achieve our shared goals.”
Joining Michael Barrett is David Berty, a former French international rugby player and winger for Toulouse. Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, which ended his rugby career, Berty now champions disability empowerment and supports those living with MS.
Berty remains committed to wheelchair rugby, playing for the Stade Toulousain and Toulouse Olympique 13 teams while inspiring others with his resilience.
The Yes We Cannes! accessible sports programme will be the sole official sporting event to be held in Cannes on the morning of Sunday 28 September.
Details on how to register will be shared soon. For sponsorship inquiries, please contact Michael Barrett at MBarrett@m1nd-set.com or via phone at +33 689 246 424.
The organising partners – TFWA, Stade Toulousain Handisport and m1nd-set – extend their heartfelt thanks to all supporters of the 2023 and 2024 Yes We Cannes! programmes. This includes listed and anonymous contributors, with special recognition to Altavia Travel Retail, Blueprint, Cyprus Duty Free, Haribo, Lagardère Travel Retail, Ora Group, Puressentiel and Pringles, for their invaluable support. ✈
