News
A student takes on the Ironman Nice to promote inclusion through sport
On 29 June 2025, Enzo Ruiz, a Master in Management (PGE) student at SKEMA, will take part in the Ironman Nice alongside five fellow students. But beyond the sporting challenge, the team is supporting L’Arche in Paris, an association that provides daily support to people with intellectual disabilities. Their goal: raise funds to create an inclusive gym in the heart of Paris.
Enzo, what made you sign up for the Ironman in Nice?
The Ironman is legendary. It’s 3.8 km of swimming, 180 km of cycling, and a marathon to finish. I always thought I’d try it much later in life. But there’s strength in numbers. The six of us are sport enthusiasts, and we were looking for a challenge—something meaningful too. That’s when we came across L’Arche. I decided to take the lead in promoting the initiative and mobilising support, with the help of the SKEMA community.
What is L’Arche, exactly?
L’Arche is a community founded by Jean Vanier in the 1960s to support people with intellectual disabilities. The Paris branch is remarkable. We were moved by the simplicity of the interactions, the joy of everyday life, the strength of human connection. Very quickly, we realised our Ironman wouldn’t just be a sporting feat—it would be a commitment.
What form does your support for L’Arche take?
First, we want to give the association visibility on race day. We’ll be wearing its colours in Nice. But above all, we’re running a fundraising campaign to help finance a future physical activity and sports room at L’Arche in Paris. Sport is a powerful tool for inclusion. We see it every time we train alongside athletes with disabilities. So far, we’ve raised €3,735 towards our €30,000 target. There’s still a long way to go.
How are you preparing for the event?
It’s intense. We train several times a week, solo or in groups, focusing of course on the three disciplines, but also on nutrition and recovery. It’s more than sport—it’s a way of life. And a lesson in mental endurance, too. I must admit, I have a soft spot for swimming!
Has this project changed your perception of disability?
Absolutely. L’Arche has taught us that inclusion isn’t about speeches—it’s about action. Simply running or swimming side by side, without hierarchy, changes everything. We’re not doing this for people with disabilities. We’re doing it with them.
Any final words for those reading?
We’ll be pushing our limits, that’s for sure. But we need your help. Every donation counts, every share matters. This project only makes sense if it’s collective. Run with us—symbolically. And for those who want to show their support, we’re selling t-shirts, with all proceeds going to L’Arche.
