When young disabled from Yvelines get to the golf course

The Isabella golf took a facelift on Tuesday April 29, 2025. Throughout the day, more 700 children Yvelinois participated in the “Parakids” event organized by the French Golf Federation (FFG) with the agglomeration of Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, on the Green of Pleasure (Yvelines).

The objective of this operation was to promote practice discipline, and in particular to those with disabilities. “A project implemented in 2019 within the Federation”, specifies Sabine Rocheron, national referent of parakids at the FFG.

Swing, putting…

In the Yvelines, this initiative started six years ago at the National Golf of Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines de Guyancourt; Before continuing at the Isabella golf since the provisional closure of the national golf course due to the work on line 18.

Swing, putting… Every Thursday afternoon, a small group of seven young people of the IME (Medico-educational Institute) René Fontaine des Clayes-sous-Bois (Yvelines) is thus initiated in golf, supervised by their educator and a specifically trained coach.

“Throughout the year, they spend one or two flags (the equivalent of the stars to ski). They hang well! There is mutual aid. The most skillful help those who have more trouble. »»

“Show them that they can do things”

Aged 16 to 21, these young people, with light mental disabilities (autism, Down’s syndrome, etc.), appreciate this outing weekly on the greens. “This allows you to work out and be yourself,” said Fatima, 17. “I like to shoot from afar,” adds Valentin, 16. “They love, empty their heads and are frustrated when the golf course is canceled,” confirms Floriane Merle, their educator at the IME.

These sessions are “Very beneficial” according to their educator. “We work a lot of mutual aid and frustration management. When they miss a blow, it can be hard for them, explains Floriane Merle. Sometimes due to their handicap, they feel devalued. This allows them to show them that they can do things. They are proud! »»

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• #GOLF National of Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines
• #Handicap