The padel court is surrounded by glass walls and fences, and measures only twenty meters by ten. “ It is well suited to our players, who have autism, because they feel safe there, like in a cocoon ».
Céline Stucki created the association “Padel pour tous” in 2018. “ We were looking for a sporting activity for our son Thomas but either the structures did not welcome people with disabilities, or the teachers were not trained,” she notes.
With her husband, she therefore decides to take matters into her own hands. Passionate about racket sports and seeing padel starting to emerge, they choose this discipline.
Since 2021, the association can give its courses on one of the fields of Shaft, a private sports complex in Lille. Funding from the City helps cover part of the rental.
Diversity and kindness
“Generally, clubs welcome sport for people with disabilities outside of peak hours,” explains Céline, “ here, we have three slots on Saturday morning, it’s good for a mix of audiences and so that families can be presentautonomy being difficult to acquire for an autistic person ».
Classes are taught by two adapted physical activity teachersChristopher and Benoît. The latter explains: “we offer tailor-made sessionswith simple and clear words so that the instructions are clearly understood, with markings on the ground for visual cues, or even with pauses to take into account each person’s ability to pay attention.
They are assisted by volunteers, like Lorette, delighted to be useful in this support where kindness is essential. Elliot, 23, is an avid gamer. What he prefers is smashing! He loves this activity which allows him to “ spend your energy ”, and it’s even better when he “wins the points”.
Philippe, father of Colin, 21 years old, sums up: “Coming here, I see my son flourishing and progressing, in an environment where he is well taken care of ».
By Valérie Pfahl
