“I always find the gestures and the sensations”: among the Cathar Archers of Lavelanet, disability does not prevent shooting

The Archers Cathares club plays the disability inclusion card. Among the fifty members, including many young people up to 17 or 18 years old, there are two athletes who practice archery despite their handicap.

Doris Marchand, 48 years old, of Quebec origins, arrived in France five years ago. She joined the Olmes country club this year. 8 years ago, Doris suffered an unconfirmed stroke. “I was told that I would never walk again,” she explains in impeccable French that she learned through private lessons. Today, confined to a wheelchair, she manages to get up.

“We talk, we laugh, but when we shoot it’s serious”

At a physiotherapist in Lavelanet, she learned that there was an archery club. Doris is interested, she who practiced Native American hunting in the past. “My husband and I came to see the club, they welcomed us. I can still imagine the first time I shot, and I still find the gestures and the sensations. And it allows me to see people, we discuss, we laugh, but when we shoot, it’s serious.” And to match the action with the words, Doris draws her bow and sends the arrow straight into the bull’s eye.

It’s not a coincidence. Doris really likes the atmosphere of the club chaired by Jean-Marc Ramos. “The people are friendly, I like coming and I hope that my testimony will allow other people who have a disability to come, not to be locked in.”

Also read:
Lavelanet: the Cathar Archers club has found its champion in Nicolas Hugon

Maé, 11 years old, in CM2 ULIS class at the Lamartine school, adopted archery discovered during sessions in the establishment by the EPS teacher, Aziz Bénali, as part of school sport. Obviously, the young boy is having fun and participating fully.