85 people with disabilities took over the covered boules court in Montgailhard on March 26th. This initiative was led by the Departmental Committee for Adaptive Sports in Ariège, in its second edition.
It’s a scene that we wouldn’t have imagined here, among these normally busy 700m2 lanes for lyonnaise and pétanque competitions. On March 26th, the terrains of the covered boules court in Montgailhard were invaded by bowlers from all over Ariège: residents of the Ehpad in Bélesta, autistic individuals accompanied by their supervisors, representatives from Adapei and APGH in Ariège.
Altogether, 85 people spent the day around the boules in this hangar. This morning, voices were heard echoing. “This is the second year that we have hosted the Departmental Committee for Adaptive Sports in Ariège,” enthused Florent Ferrand, president of the Montgailhard boules court. “Last year, we decided not to do anything special. But given the number of participants this year, we wanted to be more present.”
From the morning, thirteen high school students in vocational training in services to people and animation in territories (Sapat) from Pamiers provided assistance to the supervisors of various associations. A valuable reinforcement to accompany audiences that “require a lot of help,” acknowledged Florent Ferrand.
Workshops were set up on the lanes: carpets laid out with a ball in the center to work on screwing, skittles to knock down, and balls to throw in the center of tires arranged in a circle. Not a tournament per se, but a series of exercises designed to entertain, engage, and bring smiles.
Lunch break took place at the heart of the terrains, with tablecloths set up between the lanes. A deviation from the usual club decor, but a necessity in this context. The supervisor mentioned to the president that “it did them good to get out, to come together.” A simple phrase that speaks volumes about what such a day represents for people whose daily horizon is often limited to an establishment, a corridor, a routine.
For Florent Ferrand, who took over as president of the club last year, opening the doors to these audiences is part of a broader vision. A covered boules court of 700m2 in the department is rare, so “it’s best to offer it to those in need,” he believes, without the club’s bowlers feeling excluded.
“In hindsight, we realize how lucky we are. When we see days like this one, it puts things into perspective. It lifts our spirits,” he said.
Next year, the third edition is already in the works, maybe they will choose a date with fewer clouds. But they will be back.
The weather, unpredictable for the second consecutive year, forced everyone to stay under the concrete and metal roof. But the boules court served as a refuge, and the laughter didn’t wait for the sun.
Around 4:30 pm, the buses headed back to their respective establishments. Florent Ferrand stayed behind to put away the balls and skittles. Next year, the third edition is on the horizon. And maybe they will choose a date with less clouds. But they will return.
