Two major sports days were organized in Haute-Loire, bringing together more than 620 students around the values of sports, solidarity, and sharing.
On Monday, March 30, at Stade Massot in Le Puy-en-Velay, 340 students from private schools participated in a sports day. After the opening ceremony, a total of 22 workshops were offered thanks to the mobilization of sports clubs and committees in the department: French boxing, petanque, shooting, handball, athletics, wheelchair basketball, taekwondo, orienteering, tennis, fencing, adapted sports, football, rugby, basketball, and golf.
In partnership with UGSEL 43, this day was sponsored by Valérian Lefaure, a high-level athlete in para-shooting, already crowned French Champion in 2022. His presence allowed to educate the youth about the values of parasports and commitment.
A highlight of the day was the presentation of a check by UGSEL 43 to the association “Les Maillots du Cœur,” to support its charitable actions.
On Tuesday, March 31, at the Pierre-Pouille sports complex in Bains, despite challenging weather conditions, more than 280 students from public schools in the area participated in a second sports day. About twenty workshops enabled them to learn various Olympic and Paralympic disciplines: French boxing, shooting, handball, athletics, taekwondo, orienteering, fencing, adapted sports, football, rugby, basketball, golf, and blowpipe shooting.
The day was officially kicked off by Pascal Auger, vice-president of CDOS 43, and Alain Robert, Mayor of Bains, in the presence of Arinn Young, a Canadian international wheelchair basketball player who has competed in three Paralympic Games.
She shared her journey and the importance of self-transcendence with the youth, embodying the values of the Paralympic movement.
The event concluded with a symbolic relay race, illustrating the values of inclusion and cooperation promoted by this event, organized in partnership with USEP 43.
In total, 42 workshops and 16 disciplines were offered to private schools in Saint-Flory, du Rosaire, Saint-Louis, Sainte-Thérèse, la Chartreuse, Espaly, Saint-Paulien, Saint-Julien-Chapteuil, and Saint-Front, as well as public schools in Costaros, Landos, Cayres, Vals, Guitard, Sanssac, Siaugues, Saint-Jeures, and du Brignon.
