The Links of Hope pedal on the roads of Reunion against alcoholism and addictions

Sport can be a serious asset in overcoming an addiction. It is in this spirit that the association Les Maillons de l’Espoir got on their bikes on Thursday, embarking on their traditional tour of the island for more than 250km.

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The Links of Hope completed their tour of the island by bike this Sunday, still raising awareness against addictions

For Jean-Claude Fanchin, the president of the Links of Hope, this month of “January without alcohol” or “Dry January” was ideal for organizing this action, which was the 12th edition. The association has been fighting addictions, including alcoholism, for several years.

“Beyond the sporting challenge, it is a health challenge, especially in this month without alcohol. We want to get people to stop drinking, for one day, two days, perhaps for the month, and possibly all year 2025″

Jean-Claude Fanchin, president of the Links of Hope

Around thirty participants wanted to take part in this challenge in four stages, passing through Etang-Salé, Saint-Joseph, or even Sainte-Suzanne and today Saint-Denis. Today, they were joined by several dozen other participants for the last stage of the tour between Sainte-Suzanne and Saint-Denis.

“We met 200 to 300 people on the roads“, underlines Jean-Claude Fanchin. These are all privileged moments of awareness, and which may have triggered something in some people.

“As soon as people come to the association, they stop drinking. Today, there are few people in the association who still drink“, assures Nicol Calimoutou, the treasurer of the association, who has been abstinent for 15 years.

He is proud of having managed to take control of his life and overcome the disease of alcoholism, after having lost “women, children, work“He will have had to”5 or 6 cures“, each time with relapses, finally taking over the drink.

He tells.

“My last treatment was in 2006. I was on the street when I left, I had a car accident, lost my job. I met a social worker who helped me find an apartment , and from there I progressed, and now I’m on a permanent contract. Today I’m proud of myself because at home I have alcohol and it doesn’t bother me anymore.

Nicol Calimoutou, treasurer of the association and former alcoholic patient

But defeating such demons cannot be done alone, Nicol makes clear. “It’s complicated to be able to do without alcohol. you need patience, listening, people around you who understand that it is an illness. It’s not obvious“, he agrees.

Hence the importance for him to get involved in an association which supports people suffering from addiction and helps them escape through sport. A saving sport when it manages to occupy the mind and become moments of sharing with other people.

“During the bike rides, we go from here to Cilaos: for an alcoholic it’s an achievement. It proves that when you stop drinking, anything can happen.“, smiles Nicol Calimoutou.

“If I got through it, others can. We can’t stop overnight, but little by little, the bird makes its nest”

Nicol Calimoutou, treasurer of the Links of Hope and former alcoholic

At 29, after about ten years of “problem with alcohol“, Sandra Luero crossed paths with the Links of Hope, thanks to whom he hopes to hold on.

“In sport, I forget a little about the habit I had of drinking. Before it was every day, then I discovered the Links, it was from time to time. During the holidays I drank, and now I’m trying to do the month without alcohol“, he confides.

The young man advances step by step. The first objective will be for him to complete the “Dry January“, well surrounded by other members of the Links of Hope who offer hiking or cycling tours all year round.

“I was addicted to alcohol. Today I reduced my consumption enormously and now I am well on my way to stopping, I hope not to start again”