In Rouen, a “Race [extra]Ordinary” to celebrate inclusive sport
“We’re here because it’s important to show that you can do lots of things when you have a disability…Even if it takes a little longer.” Like more than 400 people, Valérie came with her daughter, carrier of a rare genetic diseaseto pay participate in the “Course [extra]ordinary” from Rouen (Normandy), this Wednesday, June 15, 2022.
Organized by the Public education wards (Pep) of Seine-Maritime, this race aims to be inclusive . In a wheelchair, on foot, on rollerblades, even on stilts: Everyone is invited to participate. “We said to ourselves that we were going to travel these few kilometers in a symbolic way“, smiles Ludovic Pesquet of Pep 76, the origin of this idea. “_It’s also a way to make people aware of the differences in distance that exist between children”ordinary“and those that occur in a specialized establishment_.”
The starting line is colorful, children and adults have dressed up. Nina, 13, in a clown costume, is installed in a “Joëlette“explains Florence, his mother. “It is a seat treated by adults who accompany her, as she cannot walk or run.“
In the presence of the Regional Olympic Committee
1.2 km, 2km or 6 km, each participant can find his account. Next to the race track are also described stalls to try other activities. Among them from wheelchair tennis, dance, breakdance… And even “smoothie-bike” : It’s necessary pedaling to mix his fruit juice.
The idea comes from the Regional Olympic and Sports Committee (Cros) of Normandy, present during the event. “Our goal is to get children to know and practice sport.” summarizes Jean-Claude Gosselin, vice-president of Cros Normandie. Always to promote an inclusive approach : “Moreover, for the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games, this is the first time that Olympic and Paralympic athletes will be grouped together”, he adds.