La Vallonie Clinic immerses itself in the Paralympic atmosphere

Émilie, Fatima, Candy et Laury ont découvert l’ambiance des Jeux et les performances des athlètes, au stade de France. DR

Invitées par leur groupe au stade de France, 4 salariées de l'établissement de santé Lodévois ont suivi de l’athlétisme.

They still have stars in their eyes and came back with lots of photos and memories. Four employees of the La Vallonie Breath Clinic went to Paris last weekend to attend the Paris 2024 para-athletics events at the Stade de France on Saturday, September 7. A great opportunity for those who, beyond the pleasure of being in the atmosphere of the Paralympic Games, were once again made aware of disability.

Between laughter and emotion

“During the European Week for the Employment of People with Disabilities 2023, our group's disability mission launched a quiz for staff. There were 30 places to win in all the establishments in France, we won 4 in Lodève" explains Candy, assistant manager, health and disability referent for Valonnie who was on the trip… And in charge of taking photos.

"We were in the dressing rooms. I love sports, I had already been to the Stade de France but there, a full stadium, the atmosphere, the organization, it was magical" comments Laury, the Adapted Physical Activity teacher who served as a guide, in the metro, at the stadium and then at the France club on Saturday, before extending the stay with a visit to Paris on Sunday.

A break with Phryge, the mascot of Paris 2024. DR
"I had just come for training but I didn't know the capital. We come back tired, after a long and unforgettable weekend" adds Émilie, the admissions secretary. "I had never been to Paris, the stadium, the atmosphere, the athletes, I cried with emotion seeing all that" continues Fatima, the hospital service agent who, like her comrades, also laughed a lot on Saturday and Sunday.

"We are all already aware of disabilities, visible or invisible in the establishment thanks to actions that are regularly carried out there. But there, we were able to see and support athletes, our flag bearer Nantanin Keita, some French people and all these athletes whose performances we appreciated, summarize the four agents who also got to know each other. We do not work in the same department, this trip strengthened the links, the cohesion between us. It also allowed us to meet employees from other establishments in the group and it was also very enriching."