The snowflakes swirling vertically at the Campgast aerodrome wanted to take part in the event celebrated in the living and sharing space of the Les Planeurs de Puivert en Quercorb association. Instructors from the Puivert flying club and trainees participating in the Christmas course welcomed Arnaud Fraïsse, deputy director of sport and youth at the departmental council, accompanied by Xavier Bolano.
Following on from a ceremony held last March in Villegly, the two men came to present the special jury prize to Anna Deroo, honored after having made her first solo flight at the controls of an Alliance 34 glider. , on Saturday December 9, 2023. She became the youngest pilot in France on her 14th birthday, a performance which would attract the full attention of a jury ruling within the sports department at the Department.
Arnaud Fraïsse sent warm congratulations to the young winner, before mentioning the active participation of the departmental council in the organization of events with international influence: “If he helps clubs and high-level athletes, he also supports grassroots sport.”
Arnaud Fraïsse added: “We are proposing a real sports policy by working alongside departmental committees, placing emphasis on the training of educators and executives who will officiate in the clubs. The latter are a real social link for the entire territory.”
“Dream accomplished”
Trophy in hand, Anna Deroo then sent a message of thanks to the departmental authorities: “Thank you for this honor. Becoming the youngest glider pilot in France is a dream come true, and receiving this special prize from the jury is an immense source of pride. I dedicate it to all those who supported and encouraged me in this adventure Thank you for this great recognition and for your commitment to women's sport. I would also like to thank you for encouraging and supporting young people to achieve their dreams.
In turn, the students present thanked the Department for its commitment and the opportunity offered to them, with the project “Give wings to your dreams”, initiated in 1995. Namely Enora (Couiza) and Pierre-Louis ( Limoux), two of the eight selected students who are currently continuing their training, but also Guilhem and Grégoire, two “alumni” who benefited from this project who today work in the world of aeronautics. Georges Sanna, instructor at the club, in turn greeted the Department.
At the conclusion of exchanges supported by passionate words, Jerôme and Betty Projetti, and Guilhem Belzons, instructors from the Puivertain center, were able to invite the assembly to share a friendly meal. Outside, a very low ceiling suggested an afternoon without any big flights of fancy.
The Aude departmental glider flight committee is made up of Puivert and Narbonne. Six members form the office, including three from Puivert, present of course for this reception.
