At the Raphaël-Pujazon stadium in Alès, employees from integration worksites were invited to test simple and fun activities, with a clear goal: get moving to move forward better.
Nearly 150 employees from integration worksites took part, this Tuesday, April 7, in the “Sport and Health: key to integration” morning event organized at the Raphaël-Pujazon stadium in Alès by the Gard Departmental Council. An operation designed to get people moving who are often hindered by health issues, and for whom physical activity can be a real tool for re-engagement.
Initiated by the Department’s Sports and Youth service, in collaboration with the Integration service, about ten fun and accessible workshops were offered: table tennis, rugby games, fit foot, motor skills football, blind football, vortex, boccia… “The goal is to offer simple workshops to restart the body,” explains Carole Perrin, head of the Sports and Youth service. “We realized that many people in integration face health issues, which are often the first obstacle in their journey.”
“What is good for the body is good for the mind”
Far from a competitive spirit, the morning focuses on pleasure and discovery. “We want to show that, in a fun way, we can regain the desire to move. And what is good for the body is also good for the mind,” insists Carole Perrin. For participants, all employees in integration, this day counts as work time, but a different kind of work, lighter, more rewarding. “Physical activity brings well-being, motivation. It is a boost to re-engage and work towards integration.”
Carole Perrin, head of the Sports and Youth service at the Gard Departmental Council, supervised the activities at the Pujazon stadium. Photo by Julien Olivarès.
Two health-themed stands – CPAM and the Alès Sports Health House – complemented the initiative. They help guide those interested towards sustainable support. “The idea is to give the taste to go back, to walk a little more, to take the stairs instead of the elevator. We can recommend simple things that make a big difference,” emphasizes the manager.
After a first edition in Nîmes last year, this Alès version confirms the public’s interest. “There was no hesitation, people were motivated. Maybe the good weather helped, but above all, they find pleasure in it,” smiles Carole Perrin. A concrete way to remind that getting moving is already taking a step towards integration.
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