Rock N Road Runners joins international “Cultural Olympiad” for Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics

2024-07-26

“Sport Friendly” is an international, collaborative artistic experience led by artist Émilien Buffard, celebrating sports teams committed to diversity.

In Jersey, the project is led by the Alliance française, a registered charity promoting French language and culture, and us!

21 teams from 16 countries took part a collaborative photographic production which began in Argentina two years ago and promotes inclusive sport, highlighting teams who seek to redefine the classic values of sport, affirming that, regardless of sexual orientation or identity, gender or physical or social condition - every person has a place.

Local photographer Ryan O’Shea, a member of Rock N Road Runners, was commissioned to take a series of individual and group photographs which were then transformed into a traditional sporting “Panini Album” to highlight the norms still present in sport.

The international edition “Sport Friendly: the field of diversity” features a rich collection of photos and testimonials from 22 teams across 16 countries, accompanied by exclusive interviews with 4 Olympic and international athletes.

Commenting on the project, Noemie Alexandre, Event Co-ordinator at Alliance française, said:

“It has been great working on this project alongside Rock N Road runners. Following the Olympics & Paralympics in Paris, our aim is to showcase how sport can be an inclusive space for all. We are very much looking forward to this beautiful exhibition of athletes from around the world and we hope it serves as a source of inspiration.”

Sam Wilkes, who led the project for Rock N Road Runners, added:

“Rock N Road Runners were excited to take part in this global project which celebrates inclusivity as it is huge part of our ethos – if you run then you’re a runner! Working with Alliance francais, Emilien and Ryan to produce such an interesting and thought provoking piece of collaborative art is huge for our group and Jersey.”

Photographer Ryan continued:

“It has been an honour and a pleasure to collaborate with Alliance francaise de Jersey, Émilien Buffard and Rock N Road on the #sportfriendlyproject which involved a total of 16 countries and 21 teams. I had the pleasure to not only photograph but be one of the subjects for the Jersey edition of this project. It will be great to see my photographs on show around the world and showcase this great project.”

Jersey will host its own exhibition of the final photography project in May 2025 at the Link gallery, part of Jersey Museum. For sponsorship opportunities, please get in touch.

You can view the full project here: https://sportfriendlyproject.com/

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