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Focus on the "Bouge et partage" initiative, which offers adapted tennis and theatrical improvisation sessions for mentally or psychologically disabled practitioners. The scheme has been created with the 2024 Paralympic Games in mind.
"Slowly drop the ball and then strike upwards": on tennis court number 3 at the Ladoumègue sports center (19th arrondissement), Caroline hits a foam ball over a red wire."I love everything about tennis," testifies the young woman between strokes, "I love forehands and backhands!"
A resident of the Bercy residential home (12th arrondissement), every week she takes part in adapted tennis and theatrical improvisation sessions organized by the City for the "Bouge et partage" (Move and share). Initiated as part of the upcoming 2024 Paralympic Games, this activity is aimed at both the mentally and psychologically disabled, and their carers who accompany them on a daily basis. This project is a prizewinner and co-financed by the Paris 2024 Endowment Fund.
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Inspired by mini tennis
Credit
Clément Dorval / Ville de Paris
"We're not looking for performance: the aim is first and foremost to improve participants' motor skills and coordination, and for them to enjoy playing together," explains Daniel, one of the tennis teachers. Sessions last one hour, and are inspired by mini tennis for children. It all starts with a warm-up in which players each hit foam balls. Then, the game becomes progressively more complex, with bounces and exchanges.
The key word is support. "Each session is special, some participants need a lot of help, others don't," explains Melchior, co-host. This "adapted tennis" format is much more than just a sports session: "We try to get them moving with physical activity. It offers them something new."
Frédéric rediscovers the sport he played as a child.
Credit
Clément Dorval / Ville de Paris
Everyone makes progress at their own pace, and some even rediscover the sport of their childhood. This is the case for Frédéric, 48, who came to Ladoumègue for the first time. Working in an ESAT ( Établissement et service d'aide par le travail ), he "hasn't played since [he] was 8", he confides. After half an hour's training, he's already showing improvement and is happy with his session: "I haven't lost too much, my game is coming back little by little!"
Alain, retired and resident of the Brunswic home
Credit
Géraldine Aresteanu - Utopies 5
Every Monday, with a few of my fellow residents, we have a sports session with a specialized educator: we play adapted tennis, then practice sign language theater. It's good for me, it's relaxing and gives me a chance to talk to people from outside the home. It's great!
retired resident of the Brunswic home
Carers play the game
Credit
Clement Dorval / Ville de Paris
These sports sessions are also a nice moment for the carers. "Through sport, we can strengthen their bond with disabled people," says Melchior. Jean-Christophe, a worker at a day-care center in the 20th arrondissement, agrees: "It brings out a lot of positivity".
Launched last October, "Bouge et partage" has 50 to 80 participants a week. "The activities are varied, and they never tire of them" explains Christophe, "which helps us a lot in our day-to-day work.
Improvisation and sharing
The afternoon continues with a theatrical improv session
Credit
Clément Dorval / Ville de Paris
After tennis, it's time for a cultural activity: a surprising theatrical improvisation session is held during the same afternoon in a Ladoumègue hall. Everyone has a go, with no exception. "The game puts everyone on an equal footing, whether they're disabled or not," explains Ingrid Gasparini, who runs the sessions. "Improvisation is first and foremost a time for sharing". But what's the link between sport and improvisation? "Theatre sports originated in Quebec, inspired by field hockey" recalls the actress. "Improvisation is like a sport in itself, with rules and referees."
Practical info
"Bouge et partage" is open to mentally or psychologically disabled people, and senior citizens and their carers.
Mondays from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Centre sportif Jules Ladoumègue (19th district)
Adapted tennis, adapted orienteering, theatrical improvisation
Free of charge
Contact and registration: qnfrf-wbc@cnevf.se[dases-jop puis paris.fr après le signe @]
"Bouge et partage" is a program run by the City of Paris, in partnership with the Comité de tennis de Paris, Compagnie Au-delà du quai and Club raid orientation de Paris.
Mondays from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Centre sportif Jules Ladoumègue (19th district)
Adapted tennis, adapted orienteering, theatrical improvisation
Free of charge
Contact and registration: qnfrf-wbc@cnevf.se[dases-jop puis paris.fr après le signe @]
"Bouge et partage" is a program run by the City of Paris, in partnership with the Comité de tennis de Paris, Compagnie Au-delà du quai and Club raid orientation de Paris.
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