the essential
The first day of the Ariège sports festival was a real success yesterday in Foix. Those who came to try around thirty sports left delighted.
Successful bet. There were hundreds of them yesterday to participate, in Foix (Jean-Surre sports plain, velodrome, Jean-Noël Fondère stadium, judo, whitewater stadium), in the first event “L’Ariège fait ses Jeux” initiated by the Ariège departmental council with the CDOS (departmental Olympic and sports committee). The opportunity to discover and try a little more than 25 sporting disciplines, Olympic or not, for free. All the departmental committees had played the game. Handball, basketball, shooting, karate… there was something for everyone, and for all desires. Whether we want to jump, roll, throw or run. And always in a fun way, without taking the lead. If the children took the lion’s share, their parents also took part in the game to try to accumulate points on their “point cards.” This is the case of the Fey family, the first to enter the track a little after 10 a.m. “We said why not come and take a look. We love all sports, it was an opportunity to try, to discover. We’re going to try to do as many workshops as possible.” In the stroller, Rafael waits and watches his parents. Slightly older children take the controllers. At volleyball, two young girls are taking their first lesson. “Feet forward, arms straight. Take the ball well with the palm of your hand.” Like everywhere, small challenges allow you to accumulate points. Head to fencing. Stéphane is keeping an eye on things. “We present the three weapons – foil, epee, saber – but we do initiation with a foil on the ring in the form of an assault. There are many people who do not know that there is fencing in Ariège.”
“We are very well advised”
Opposite, the “pole-length” athletics workshop has had some success. Cécile is learning to master the pole well, and it’s not easy. “There is a feeling of height which can be impressive. But when you understand what the pole is for, it feels better. Children have less apprehension.” Nicolas and his son Bastien really liked it. “It tempted me, it was so good” enthuses Bastien. Nicolas is seduced by the formula. “We are going to try all the disciplines. The proximity of the two sites is also very interesting. And, what’s more, we are very well advised.” Petanque has also found a small place. Again, advice is valuable. “The little girl threw the ball like a bowling ball, we explained to her how to do it.” Everywhere, there was the same kindness. Golf, BMX, shooting, rhythmic gymnastics, basketball, English boxing, French boxing, Basque pelota, canoeing, football, handball, rugby, judo, padel, tennis, table tennis, archery… some don’t did not have time to do everything and will return today (from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Adults or children, everyone can find something to enjoy there. “I want to salute the investment of all those who made it possible to organize this event, relishes Fabien Guichou, departmental councilor and deputy at the town hall of Foix. The idea was to bring together the big family of Ariège sport .” A great idea crowned with success. Continuation and end today.
