How is the Handisport Brest association doing?
Stéphane Lansonneur, president: “I took over as president in January 2021 and we had 147 licensees, all sports combined. Today, we have twenty activities with 225 licensees, knowing that next year we will recover the disabled section of the Secular Patronage of Lambézellec (PLL), or 40 people. If we have so many licensees, it’s because we have developed the leisure section. My policy today is the one requested by the State, namely healthy sport. It’s about getting people out of their homes and into sport, not necessarily competitive sport but leisure sport. When some people think of disabled sports, they think of the Olympic Games and tell themselves that it is not for them. But that’s not it at all.”
What about inclusion in sports?
“The State wants able-bodied clubs to create their own disabled sports section. To date, clubs are not capable of this. If I arrive with my chair in an able-bodied club, they will look at me and say: “What am I going to do with this one?”. If they are not trained before by professionals, this is not possible. In addition, structures and equipment are needed. We shouldn’t do things the other way around, but that’s the impression I have at the moment. As far as we are concerned, we have signed an agreement with the Labor Sports and Gymnastics Federation (FSGT). FSGT players come, from time to time, to compete against disabled sports players. They mix and play together. These players come out with a different vision of disability. This is what we want, to change or evolve the way people look at people with disabilities.”
What impact can the Paralympic Games have?
“On June 7, there is the passing of the flame and we will have several bearers including Prigent Colin, former president of the club. On the day the boat leaves for Guadeloupe, we will be present at the Malbert quay and will present activities. We know very well that given that the Paralympic Games are in Paris, the French will be interested in them. There should be a sharp increase in the number of licensees next year. The club is growing and we had to, for the first time, hire a fixed-term employee in September 2023. I am trying to set up a network of partners to help us structure the club. State subsidies are not enough. The goal is also to seek private financing. Partners should not be afraid to invest in disability. The Paralympic Games will boost disability, and we need to ride this wave because there will be visibility.”
#French
