Nothing is impossible for our valiant Gazelles!

ESSAOUIRA
Essaouira | Awards

The Gazelles of this 32nd edition started the rally as they finished it, to thunderous applause. Now the gala evening is launched with a glass of champagne. Projection of videos, photos, concert, DJ: the night promises to be a memorable one!

The sand has been replaced by glitter. Under the gala tent, 376 gazelles are being celebrated as they should be. Symbol of distinction and grace in Arab culture, tonight they are up to the task! Even if “putting our heels back on is difficult” , admits Ingrid. “ I had a hard time readjusting to the real world, to the traffic”. In the desert, they lived through hell. Excitement, joys and disappointments. “The rally is not to be taken lightly”, warns Michelle of Team 126 (Michelle THILL / Stéphanie OBERTIN - Health Services). “We encountered all possible difficulties. I knew I was capable, but I really proved it to myself."

Desert flame

Their performance was hailed by Christine Lagarde, the event's patron. The longtime friend of the rally and President of the European Central Bank, who attended this year's gala in video form, praised “ the flame lit by the Gazelles and which will never be extinguished”.

On the leg, actress Valérie Bonneton, the evening's guest of honor, even admits to being " highly moved after meeting the teams". Coming to soak up the atmosphere of Morocco for a future film, she found women with the desire to push their limits, to feel alive and to transmit their values to their children. Women who do not yet fully realize it, like Olivia, 27: “I feel like I'm on a cloud, in my bubble. I see all my relatives proud of me, I don't really understand it."

A commitment of the heart

The members of the medical caravan, which follows alongside the rally to treat the local populations, are celebrated alongside the Gazelles. Visibly moved, the general delegate of the Coeur de Gazelles association, Christelle Egreteau , recalled the eloquent figures of this edition: 2 consultations, 000 pairs of glasses made to measure on site, 300 surgeries, and donations of clothing for 14 people.

“We exceeded our expectations by 40% on the number of patients we wanted to see”. By her side, 15 health care workers, 11 drivers and 8 administrators made it possible to see more than 1,200 patients this year. Christelle is already dreaming of next year, hoping to expand the caravan to include more specialties, including dentists and gynecologists.

Letting go and never forgetting

On the leg, the party is in full swing, hosted by Alexandre Devoise. The performances of the Cirque du Grand Lyon are on a par with those of the Gazelles, adding to the evening's excitement. Because let's not forget that Gazelles can also be fierce. "You have to have a touch of madness" . warn Olivia and Charlotte of Team 243 (Olivia PIAU / Charlotte PIERUCCI - CAROLL). « You mustn't give up, have the courage to go all the way. It's a source of pride.".

Tonight, they will keep going until the end of the night. Rocked by the songs of Axel Bauer, then the DJ, the Gazelles let loose. The last word will go to the person who made it all possible, Dominique Serra. She found this edition to be "serene, with participants coming more for a personal challenge than for the competition". What to wish for next year? "May the 33rd be as beautiful as this year's edition". New Gazelles, be warned: the Moroccan desert awaits you!