TFWA strengthens accessibility commitment with Stade Toulousain Handisport partnership
'Yes We Cannes!' is once again at the forefront of TFWA's charity initiatives
TFWA has announced the renewal of its support for purpose-driven sporting activities ahead of the TFWA World Exhibition & Conference in Cannes, with the third edition of 'Yes We Cannes!' – an inclusive sports program organized in partnership with the French accessible sports charity, Stade Toulousain Handisport.
The charity sports partnership, initiated and co-organized by Swiss research agency m1nd-set and supported from its inception by TFWA as a major donor, enters its third year. Launched to raise awareness and funds for the disability-focused Stade Toulousain Handisport charity, the initiative has gained significant traction within the travel retail sector. With contributions from TFWA, m1nd-set, and various companies across the industry, including several anonymous donors, the program has raised over €28,000 since its launch in 2023.
The purpose-driven Sunday morning sports activity offers participants a unique opportunity to learn and engage in blind football, goalball – a team sport specifically designed for individuals with visual impairments – and wheelchair rugby. The sports activities are led by players and coaches from Stade Toulousain Handisport, France’s leading wheelchair rugby team. The charity’s founder and president, Pablo Neuman, who pioneered the sport in France after a skiing accident left him paraplegic in 2023, will also bring his expertise and passion to this inspiring initiative.
Aptly titled ‘Yes We Cannes!’ the 2025 edition will be a free event as part of the official TFWA program for all members of the association. All participating individuals and companies are invited to make a discretionary donation to the charity and sponsorship opportunities are again also available.
Philippe Margueritte, TFWA President, commented, “As the newly elected President of TFWA, I am immensely proud to reaffirm our commitment to the 'Yes We Cannes!' initiative. This inclusive sports program encapsulates the values of community, resilience, and empowerment that define our association. In collaboration with Stade Toulousain Handisport, m1nd-set, and the many supporters across the industry who have championed this cause over the past two years, we strive to create meaningful change, raise awareness, and provide critical support to those who confront extraordinary challenges every day. I invite everyone in the travel retail sector to be part of this impactful journey, demonstrating that together, we have the power to make a lasting difference.”
Stade Toulousain, President Pablo Neuman, added, “We are profoundly thankful to TFWA for continuing its unwavering support for the third consecutive year, to m1nd-set for initiating this incredible program, and to the many companies and individuals who have participated and contributed along the way. We eagerly anticipate reconnecting with industry friends in Cannes this year and introducing even more participants to the exciting and often unfamiliar sports activities we offer. Through the Stade Toulousain Handisport charity, Neuman noted how the programs “empower physically and mentally disabled adults and children, fostering inclusion, resilience, and joy. It is a privilege to share this journey with such a dedicated community”.
Peter Mohn, m1nd-set Owner and CEO, expressed gratitude for the renewed activity and unveiled an exciting addition to the 2025 program. “We are immensely grateful to TFWA for continuing to provide a platform to champion accessibility within the global travel retail community, and we are proud to be part of this impactful initiative,” he said. “For the 2025 edition, m1nd-set is excited to step up our involvement to further highlight the importance of accessibility in travel and travel retail.
“We are thrilled to introduce the ‘Yes We Cannes Handi-Bikathon’, an initiative designed to bring even greater attention to this vital cause.”
Yes We Cannes Handi-Bikathon
M1nd-set Events and Public Relations Director, Michael Barrett, will undertake a challenging journey on a handcycle – a specially adapted bicycle for individuals with disabilities – from Toulouse to Cannes in the week leading up to the TFWA World Exhibition in September. Joining him on this more-than-500km journey across southern France will be a member of Stade Toulousain’s wheelchair rugby team.
“Together, they aim to raise awareness and funds for accessibility in travel,” Mohn added. “We invite sponsors from across the industry to support this effort, and we welcome all donations and media coverage to help amplify our message and achieve our shared goals.”
David Berty, a former winger for the European and French Rugby Union champions Stade Toulousain, will join Barrett on this inspiring journey. Berty’s professional rugby career was tragically cut short by a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis, a life-altering challenge that ended his time on the field. However, he has since become a passionate ambassador for disability empowerment and an advocate for those living with MS.
Berty continues to channel his love for the sport by playing wheelchair rugby with the Stade Toulousain and Toulouse Olympique (TO) 13 teams, demonstrating remarkable resilience and inspiring others through his commitment and spirit. The Yes We Cannes! accessible sports program will be the sole official sporting event to be held in Cannes on the morning of Sunday, 28 September. Details on how to register will be shared soon. For sponsorship inquiries, please contact Michael Barrett at MBarrett@m1nd-set.com.
The organizing partners – TFWA, Stade Toulousain Handisport, and m1nd-set – thanked all supporters of the 2023 and 2024 Yes We Cannes! programs. This includes listed and anonymous contributors, with special recognition to Altavia Travel Retail, Blueprint, Cyprus Duty Free, Haribo, Lagardère Travel Retail, Ora Group, Puressentiel and Pringles.
