14_BORDEAUX_Louis_LACOSTE
Age: 40
Stage 28

French Guiana

Leila Mathurin will carry the Olympic Torch. Here’s her story:

Born in Saint Georges de l'Oyapock, Leila was an active member of the municipal team until she lost her sight. She didn’t let the ordeal hold her back and was even elected Miss Saint-Georges in 2003. Leila has been a member of the Quatre-Épices folk dance association for 23 years. She lives at a specialised nursing home where she was one of the first residents. Leila is a source of light for everyone around her. Always positive, she takes care of everyone and has participated actively in the sporting activities of the sickle cell anaemia association for over 10 years.

Despite the physical challenges she encounters, she is as brave and determined as ever when it comes to taking part in the Marathon, the Carnival and the Color Run, to keeping up her dancing, and to wearing out the tarmac of the Kourou cycle path. She has a personality that brings people together, driving the group towards a common goal and giving her all when overcoming personal challenges. Leila is committed to her causes, and is not afraid to represent the voice of disability in society, participating in the Ariane group project during the European week of employment for people with disabilities. She is also active in environmental initiatives such as beach clean-ups (Mayori) and bottle cork recycling. Leila is proud of her background, with a combative, unifying and positive attitude that fully embodies the values of sport, and stands out as an example of determination and solidarity.