RWC 2023

Rugby World Cup 2023 and Petits Frères des Pauvres side by side in support of isolated seniors

Before the Six Nations fixture opposing France and Scotland, Rugby World Cup 2023 and the French charity Petits Frères des Pauvres have presented at the Stade de France their inclusive programme towards isolated seniors, allowing them to share the celebration of the tournament with others and overcome their loneliness.

As a major moment of celebration and togetherness from 8 September to 28 October 2023, Rugby World Cup 2023 has the ambition to be a competition accessible to all.

To this end, the isolated seniors’ programme launched by the organising committee France 2023 and the charity Petits Frères des Pauvres based on common values of sharing and solidarity, aims to fight  isolation of elderly people as well as creating an intergenerational bond. This programme will be beneficial to 153 isolated seniors, part of Petits Frères des Pauvres, and allow them to see nine Rugby World Cup 2023 matches (one per host city, including the opening match France v New Zealand), along with Petits Frères des Pauvres volunteers as well as apprentices from the Campus 2023 education programmein s.

FIGHTING AGAINST SENIORS’ LONELINESS

Petits Frères des Pauvres is daily committed to help elderly people through situations of isolation to be a part of the world surrounding them. Being an Official Member of Rugby World Cup 2023 contributes to the association’s missions: support, act collectively and raise awareness. In France, two million[1] seniors are isolated in their daily life, and 530,000 of them are considered in a situation of social death.  

France 2023 wishes to take its responsibility in this fight by maintaining, thanks to Rugby World Cup 2023, a necessary social bond to our well-being and peace of mind. During the next weeks, 20 Campus 2023 apprentices will support isolated seniors and initiate meetings to create bonds before the tournament.

“We are thrilled to create a collaboration with Rugby World Cup 2023 and its values of togetherness and solidarity, which resonate with our mission and actions. This operation will not only allow elderly people we help to live moments of happiness and to get away from their loneliness, but also to largely raise awareness about the isolation situations experienced by two million people.”  
Alain VILLEZ, President of Petits Frères des Pauvres

“Because solidarity and assistance are the heart of rugby, I am very happy to launch this programme with Petits Frères des Pauvres, so our eldest can share in the great celebration of Rugby World Cup 2023, along with our Campus 2023 apprentices, to create strong connections between the generations. With the competition getting closer than ever, we wish that everyone, everywhere in France, can be a part of these joyful and popular moments, to create unique collective memories.”
Jacques RIVOAL, President of France 2023

[1] Petits Frères des Pauvres / CSA Research 2021