On the occasion of the National Day of Sport and Disability, the Place du Champ de Mars in Angoulême was turned into a true inclusive experimentation ground. Led by STAPS students from the Valois campus in Angoulême, this day allowed the general public to discover adapted disciplines such as sitting volleyball, boccia, one-handed basketball, and blindfolded climbing.
At the heart of the event was a strong ambition: to demonstrate that sports are accessible to everyone, regardless of physical abilities or means. Free and open to all, this event attracted many curious participants eager to try out these still relatively unknown practices. For Juliette Dumaine, vice-president of social innovation at BDE STAPS, it is about “breaking misconceptions” and showing that students are also engaged in solidarity and societal actions.
Raise awareness through practice
The uniqueness of this day lies in immersion. Participants were able to experience a disability, thanks to blindfolded courses or adapted sports practices. A significant experience that helps to better understand the challenges faced by athletes with disabilities, but also their adaptability.
For Thaïs Guitton, a student in sports training, the goal is clear: “to show that all sports can be adapted and that inclusion is essential today.” A conviction shared by those involved in adapted sports, like the departmental committee that works throughout the year to promote access to sports practice.
Beyond discovery, this day mainly helped to create connections. Among students, participants, and professionals, sports become a real vector of solidarity, exchange, and respect. An inspiring initiative that reminds us that inclusion also involves concrete actions, closest to the field.
At the end of the mission, Mathieu Renier, sports coordinator at the Departmental Committee of Adapted Sports in Charente, came to emphasize an essential distinction between parasport and adapted sport. Parasport mainly concerns people with physical or sensory disabilities, often represented in the Paralympic Games, while adapted sport is for people with mental or psychological disabilities. Its role is to guide these populations towards regular practice, but also to help clubs become more inclusive. He points out that despite progress, access to sports remains unequal and still requires reinforced support.
