On Tuesday, the Sports Union of First Degree Teaching (Usep) welcomed approximately 340 students from schools in Aude and Pyrénées-Orientales to a morning focused on endurance and the joy of running in Paziols. Tautavel, Vingrau, Estagel, and Ansignan all participated in this wonderful event!
At 9:30 am, the classes were warmly greeted with a snack provided by the municipality, before getting ready for the various planned activities. At 10:30 am, the students gathered around the 400-meter circuit in the village, designed to ensure safety and smooth flow. The morning began with a hike for the youngest students, those in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten, walking to the Cucugnan fountain. Meanwhile, the older students gradually started different timed events. Five time slots were offered, ranging from 6 to 15 minutes, allowing each child to run at their own pace, without a competitive mindset.
From the green timer to the black timer, the students took on the challenge of holding their chosen time without stopping. Organizers emphasized, “It’s not a race, but a personal commitment“, highlighting the importance of consistent effort over performance. The well-organized event ran smoothly, with consecutive starts signaled audibly and the presence of many supervisors. Parents, allowed to accompany their children, also helped create a friendly and supportive atmosphere.
At 11:30 am, all races ended with applause and the distribution of certificates. Each participant was recognized for their dedication and efforts. The morning concluded with a picnic shared in a relaxed atmosphere. The afternoon continued with a hike in the hills of Paziols for students from pre-kindergarten to fifth grade, while the younger children enjoyed calm activities organized by teachers in and around the gymnasium in Paziols.
