©DR – An initiation of fencing with lightsabers for children hospitalized within the Paris-Est Val-de-Marne hospitals as part of the partnership with the Racing Club de France.
First multisport club in France founded in 1882, Racing Club de France becomes a partner of the Paris Est Val-de-Marne hospitals (HPEVM), at the main hospital site of Saint-Maurice, as part of the “Tremplin Sport” program.
Racing Club de France partner of the APA program of the Paris-Est hospitals
The Tremplin-Sport program is a Adapted Physical Activity (APA) program that aims to promote the return to sports practice in clubs for hospitalized children with disabilities or chronic illnesses. It is under the responsibility of Dr. Mathieu Pellan, a pediatric pulmonologist, sports doctor at HPEVM, and reference doctor involved with the association Premiers de Cordée, which organizes sports events within hospitals in Ile-de-France and France.
“Allowing hospitalized children to practice a sport in a club like Racing Club de France strengthens their physical abilities, restores self-esteem, and prepares them to return to an ordinary sports life. Our goal is to create lasting bridges between the hospital and the sporting world,” explained Dr. Mathieu Pellan.
An introduction to fencing with laser to introduce the sport to children of HPEVM
As part of the operational launch of the partnership, this program welcomed five hospitalized children aged between 8 and 11 years at the historic Racing site, Rue d’Ebilly (Paris 7th arrondissement), for an introduction to fencing with lightsaber, led by Olivier Patrouix-Gracia, the Club’s fencing master, in an approach adapted to the abilities and pace of each child.
The children were supervised by the medical teams of the Paris Est Val-de-Marne hospitals and the sports teams of Racing Club de France, who provided them with their facilities and accompanied the sports discovery in a safe, inclusive, and educational environment.
“This first session symbolizes our desire to open our facilities and expertise to children who need to rediscover the pleasure of movement and the taste of teamwork. It is the first step towards a broader ambition in terms of sports and health,” emphasized Philippe Baudillon, president of Racing Club de France.
Sport as a lever for health, inclusion, and well-being for sick children
Through this partnership, concluded for the duration of the current school year’s “Tremplin Sport” program, Racing Club de France reaffirms its commitment to making sport a true lever for health, inclusion, and well-being for children.
Welcomed once a month at the Racing facilities, the monthly sessions will soon double, with activities adapted to the needs and abilities of the children, such as swimming, volleyball, badminton, tennis, or fencing.
