The Ychoux wheelchair handball team, which was created last March, is considering a solution to finance the purchase of several specialized sports chairs, essential to the practice. A considerable budget is necessary, since each chair costs around 2,200 euros after reimbursement from Social Security.
This price is justified by the specificity of the equipment, which has an anti-tip system with straps. But also inclined wheels for greater stability and maneuverability, combined with a front protection bar to absorb shocks. The club can only purchase three currently, for 11 registered players.
To compensate for this lack of resources, the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Handball League temporarily lends chairs to the Handi'Choux. “It’s a very generous gesture on their part, and one on which we are dependent to continue playing. They can collect them at any time, declares Thierry Brode, president of the Ychoux handball club. To prevent this from happening, the club will take out a loan to finance them. » At the same time, a pot was opened for donations. The Ychoux handball club also counts on the generosity of the Landais.
The Handi'Choux were born thanks to their coach, Jean-Louis Escaich. “I coached a wheelchair rugby team in Gironde. When I moved to the Landes, I wanted to do the same. » It was through word of mouth that the project came to fruition. “I suggested to people with disabilities that I came across by chance to come and try,” explains the coach. “We are seeing progress sportingly, but also psychologically among the players,” he adds. It does them a lot of good, and it creates social bonds. »
An inclusive practice
Jonathan Palomo, player of the team, confirms this. “Everyone is progressing, and it’s great to see teammates becoming more and more comfortable in the chair. » The 36-year-old man, suffering from Little's disease, had wanted to do sport for a long time, but “nothing was offered in the Landes”. Now he can play handball at least twice a week. “It feels great, to let off some steam, and to see people, that’s important. This is just the beginning of the project, it’s exciting. »
So far, the Handi'Choux have been able to face other teams during friendly meetings. A regional championship is planned for next season. The club, for its part, organizes discovery days of the discipline, open to the general public, to raise awareness of disability and the practice of disabled sports.
