THE SPORT SCAN - The Var club prepared a special installation for the France Télévisions journalist who came to the stands to comment on the match between RCT and Glasgow.
On Saturday,Matthieu Lartot was able to commentate for France Télévisions the Champions Cup match between Rugby Club Toulonnais and Glasgow in ideal conditions. The journalist, whose right leg was amputated in 2023 due to knee cancer, discovered before the meeting that the Var club had specially arranged his place as a commentator next to Dimitri Yachvili.
“Thanks to the company, to the Municipality. Things are going in the right direction! Soon the elevator wrote the voice of rugby on public service channels on his account
“Thank you Matteo @lartot for underlining (live on France 3) the effort of the club which set up a booth for commentators adapted to the PMR. Very classy!”the RCT community site responded.
– What are some best practices for enhancing accessibility in sports commentary?
Interview: Enhancing Accessibility in Sports Commentary – A Conversation with Matthieu Lartot
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Thank you for joining us today, Matthieu. Your recent experience commentating on the Champions Cup match between RCT and Glasgow was quite remarkable. Can you share how the Var club prepared a special installation for you?
Matthieu Lartot: Thank you for having me. It was truly heartwarming to see the Var club go the extra mile to accommodate my needs as a commentator. They set up a booth next to Dimitri Yachvili that was not only agreeable but also accessible for someone with my circumstances. It’s these thoughtful gestures that make a notable difference.
Interviewer: Your journey to this moment has been inspiring, especially considering your amputation last year due to knee cancer. How did this life change impact your work and your passion for rugby commentary?
Matthieu Lartot: It was a life-altering experience, to say the least. but my love for rugby remained unchanged. If anything, it has fueled my passion more.This adaptation in my career has pushed me to advocate for better accessibility within sports, ensuring that people with disabilities can participate and enjoy sporting events fully.
Interviewer: This move shows a progress toward inclusivity in sports. What implications do you think this has for the broader sports industry, particularly in terms of accessibility?
Matthieu Lartot: It’s an critically important step. I believe that as more organizations recognize the importance of accessibility, we’ll see a more inclusive environment. This shift benefits everyone—not just individuals with disabilities. By creating accessible spaces, we enrich the experience for all fans. the response from the RCT community was encouraging,highlighting that these changes are appreciated and valued.
Interviewer: What advice can you give to other sports organizations looking to improve their facilities and services for individuals with disabilities?
Matthieu Lartot: Start by listening to those with experience—people with disabilities.It’s essential to consult and understand their needs firsthand. Making small adjustments goes a long way. Such as, ensuring access to all areas, providing appropriate seating, and offering the right commentary facilities can drastically improve the event experience.Awareness and willingness to adapt are key.
Interviewer: you received a lot of positive feedback on social media, including gratitude from RCT’s community site. How do you feel about the reception of this initiative?
Matthieu Lartot: The support has been unbelievable! It confirms that efforts toward inclusivity resonate with fans and participants alike. Social media serves as a powerful platform to spread awareness and encourage other clubs to follow suit. Recognizing these initiatives publicly gives momentum to the overall movement for accessibility in sports.
interviewer: Lastly, what message do you want to leave with our readers regarding the importance of inclusivity in sports?
Matthieu Lartot: Everyone deserves the right to enjoy sports, irrespective of their physical abilities. By fostering an inclusive environment, we open doors to a diverse audience, encouraging participation and appreciation across the board. Let’s continue to push for change and make sports truly available for all. Thank you!
Interviewer: Thank you, Matthieu. Your insights are not only inspiring but also necessary for driving change in the sports community. we appreciate your time and perspective.