“We get wet for a good cause”: with Vendée Coeur, they paddle for 24 hours for sick children

At the time of the starting signal, it is an audience of more than a hundred people who was present in Les Sables-d’Olonne, this Saturday June 15, on the banks of the Chnoue, to make the final count.

Some came disguised: as a Viking, in traditional Breton clothing or even as a shark. The most creative costumes all came together to give voice.

A few meters in front of them, 50 teams, paddles in hand, courageously set off for an endurance testrelay.

24 hours of effort

“I came with colleagues from the Professional Territorial Health Community (CPTS) of Vendée. I had a child in my family who was affected by brain cancer. It is thanks to this kind of associations he was able to experience very good moments in his misfortune. So if I can help, I do it,” explains Magalie, 42, with a smile.

These big-hearted athletes have indeed left for 24 hours of non-stop effort, aboard their paddle. “Come on, only 11:59 p.m. left!” », shouts to them, megaphone in hand, a spectator.

They will still have to hold out until tomorrow, 2 p.m. Each spin completed brings 1 euro to the prize pool.

“Make local associations known”

This year, the donations collected will go to the Premier de Cordée association, which integrates sport into children’s hospitals, but also Camino de l’Espoir and the Vendée Association for the Fight against Cancer.

A real solidarity race for the benefit of children in need. » My friend to his daughter who has a rare disease. We’re getting wet for a good cause. And then, it also allows us to raise awareness of local associations, like ours, Debra France, which helps butterfly children,” explains Anthony, 56, who came straight from Montaigu.

With the wind, the task is not the easiest. “I think we’re going to do more relays than expected. I didn’t think it would be so hard,” one participant said with a laugh, after getting back on dry land. But whatever. The cause is more important.

Already 150,000 euros raised

Despite their motivation, they also hope to count on the support of the public, ready to chant the names of the rowers at each lap. Help which will be all the more valuable to them in a few hours, when the first aches and pains appear.

To reach this year’s goal – 200,000 euros raised – the rowers are not the only ones involved. The public can also participate, via purchasing different goodies or by making a donation directly on site.

At 3 p.m. this Saturday,The total prize pool was already approaching 150,000 euros. This is perhaps a new record that, tomorrow, all these beautiful people will be able to beat.

The party continues

This evening, the village, which offers several animations sports such as ball tennis, raqbal or archery, organizes several concerts. Open to all, they will be held in front of the Sauniers gymnasium.

Tomorrow, the village opens its doors at 9 a.m. The various activities will continue until 1 p.m., including the performance of the Fanfare Saugrenue at 10:30 a.m. The paddle race will end at 2 p.m.

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