Greetings from France, former International Abilympics host in Metz, 2023
4.9.2026
Benoit Roger, Inclusion and Diversity Director at WorldSkills France, shares warm greetings on behalf of France, former host country of the International Abilympics in 2016 and 2023, ahead of the 11th Abilympics competition to be held in Helsinki. Benoit Roger reflects on the challenges and triumphs of hosting in Metz and on what makes this competition so unique, and wishes the organisers in Helsinki success with the competition.
Benoit Roger
- Inclusion and Diversity Director at WorldSkills France
- 10 years working with Abilympics and 2 years for WorldSkills France since the merging of 2 organizations
- Previous career: International Event Manager for Sport Federations passionate by skills
Hello from France and the French Team of trades for the 11th International Abilympics competition held in Helsinki 2027!
As a former host country in 2016 and 2023, this is a wonderful adventure for us – a competition that does a world of good and carries deep meaning.
I remember the 10th International Abilympics in Metz in 2023. I could sum up this event with the following phrase: “We were told it was impossible, so we did it.”
In less than six months, following Russia’s withdrawal as host country due to the war in Ukraine, France took up the torch, and our organisation managed to build, in a French city of fewer than 130,000 inhabitants, together with the Grand Est region, an exceptional event bringing together nearly 30 delegations.
More than just an event, it was also a genuine accessibility challenge, in a location unaccustomed to hosting international events.
I will long remember the emotion and the demonstration of talent from people with disabilities who came from all over the world. That “family” photo, with flags from around the world flying in the air during the closing ceremony, will remain an image forever engraved in my memory.
To succeed in such a challenge, you need passionate trade experts, committed institutions, convinced business partners, and mobilised volunteers. That collective energy was incredible: everyone united around a single goal, to offer competitors an event worthy of their talent, because we all firmly believe that diversity is a strength!
A truly unique competition
What makes the International Abilympics so special is their ability to change the way the public sees things. This is not a competition “adapted” for people with disabilities, but a genuine demonstration of professional excellence. Competitors display highly advanced technical skills across dozens of different trades, from crafts to IT, as well as art and industry.
This competition also builds unique bridges between countries and cultures. Seeing delegations from all corners of the world share the same standards and the same passion for their trade, beyond borders and educational and professional systems, is a deeply moving experience.
For many participants, this journey, from the selection stages to the world competition, represents a genuine springboard for their career, an opportunity to have their skills recognised and to facilitate their integration into the workforce.
In France, we are in fact currently measuring the impact of these competitions on people with disabilities, and it is clear that this is an experience that transforms them in every respect.
To the Abilympics Helsinki 2027 team
Congratulations to Finland on the first medal won during the 10th International Abilympics in Metz, a driving force behind the organisation of the 11th edition. France is delighted to pass the baton to Finland for this unique competition, and it is wonderful to see the Abilympics competition taking place alongside the Skills Finland national competition.
There is so much talent out there, and it deserves to be revealed: together, these individuals carry an essential message.
I am confident that Helsinki 2027 will, in turn, become a landmark moment in this wonderful international story.
Good luck to the entire Finnish team!
