On the occasion of the charity event held before the start of Roland Garros, BNP Paribas invited, for the 4th year in a row, around 20 children in the “Rêve d’enfance” (Childhood Dream) charity programme to attend Roland Garros on 22 May.

Founded in 2001 by students of HEC, one of France’s leading business schools, this association gives children suffering from cancer or leukaemia and in the remission stage of their illness the chance to lead a normal life outside hospital. These days, dubbed “hors des murs” (outside the walls) of hospitals, support children in the remission stage of their illness. BNP Paribas supports the charity by giving around 20 children the opportunity to attend Roland Garros.

After enjoying a picnic lunch at the place des Mousquetaires (Musketeers Square!) at Roland Garros, the children were each presented with a backpack containing a cap and an autograph book as a welcome gift. They were then given a guided tour of the stadium and watched some exhibition matches, as in previous years, between the tournament’s players.

Sana Beghidja (15):
“I am really happy to be here today. It’s a unique opportunity. We have lots of special privileges and have seen things that the general public do not get to see. We have visited the changing rooms for the ballboys and ballgirls and also this suite that is not for everyone”.

Julien Girost (12):
“I think it is a good idea to have an association like this one and I’m happy to be able to watch some matches”.

William Collin (12½):
“I think it’s great to be able to watch matches thanks to an association which has made our dreams come true. I often play tennis and my favourite player is Nadal, who I think will win this year. Go for it Nadal!”

At the end of the day, during afternoon tea, Sébastien Grosjean met with the children to sign autographs. “The aim of this day is to devote time to these young children. I have my own association that supports orphans. I love children and am a father myself, so I think it’s great to be able to give these children a bit of happiness and to spend time with them”.