From September 19 to 26, 16 Euro-German 1st year students from the Saint-Exupéry high school received their German correspondents. “Promoting respect in sport” was the theme of work and reflection for these young Europeans.
“This Olympic year 2024, full of sporting emotions, was an opportunity to launch a competition with our students: create flyers, posters or videos to help fight against disrespect in sport,” explains Maelle Catala, professor of sport. German and organizer of these exchanges for 18 years with her high school colleague and the two French teachers from Buxtehude who became her friends. “This theme has guided our outings and allows us to build a common project,” she added.
Aerospace, Aveyron and rugby
Welcomed on the afternoon of their arrival with a visit to the Blagnac aeronautical center, followed by a discovery of the high school with their correspondents, the young Germans then joined the courses with them. “They discover a teaching system very different from their usual ones, as our students were also able to observe during the first phase of the exchange in Buxtehude before the summer holidays,” indicated the professor.
The two-day excursion in Aveyron did not benefit from very favorable weather, but tree climbing and ziplining in the rain strengthened the group’s bonds, as did the aligot they tasted.
On the last day, the Stade Toulousain and its infrastructure impressed, as did the discovery of rugby, a sport that is almost unknown across the Rhine but which inspires the greatest respect.
The restitution of the joint project was the occasion for a friendly and festive show under the benevolent eye of Adrien Moreau, municipal councilor responsible for sports sponsorship and twinning.
“Each year the students are very motivated and emerge transformed from these exchanges which we hope to perpetuate thanks to the unwavering support of the town hall and the OFAJ (Franco-German Office for Youth)”, concludes Maelle Catala.
