Lecture by Marie-Amélie LE FUR, Paralympic athlete and director of the French Paralympic and Sports Committee

Listening to Marie-Amélie LE FUR is an unforgettable experience.

As a guest speaker at the final conference of the 2025–2026 “Universités des Savoirs Partagés” series, the Paralympic athlete and director of the French Paralympic and Sports Committee captivated her audience for over two hours.

Her story and her journey inspire admiration. Passionate about sports from a very young age, she took up running, which, as she says, gives her a sense of lightness, freedom, a connection to nature, and, above all, the opportunity to connect with others.

At age 10, she wanted to become a professional firefighter and joined the youth fire brigade.

The future looked bright, and everything was in place for great success and a promising future.

At age 15, everything changed overnight in a car accident in which she lost a leg.

“My defiance was my ability to move forward.”

Marie-Amélie LE FUR quickly came to terms with her disability, was back on her feet within four months, and resumed running.

“Society wanted to decide for me and convince me that my new physical condition would prevent me from continuing on my path. I refused to be held back.”

“Sports change lives and open up a world of possibilities”

Technology has adapted to the needs of both able-bodied people and people with disabilities.

However, in 2024, only 36% of people with disabilities participated in sports.

Inadequate sports facilities, a lack of promotion for “disability sports” and local infrastructure, and insufficiently trained sports staff are all barriers that limit access to para-sports.

Progress is being made, but it is important to “cultivate” a new perspective on disability, which must become a source of strength.

“The 2024 Paralympic Games served as a catalyst for changing perceptions of disability.”

The impact of the Games has been very positive. They have changed perceptions of disability and shed light on athletic performances and training in parasports.

The challenge today is to develop an inclusive society in an empowering environment.

For the second time, the Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France welcomed Marie-Amélie LE FUR, an athlete and a woman who is a wonderful advocate for parasports.

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