Sport as a level playing field
On Saturday 14 March, the Halle Vanterpool in Marigot hosted the fifth edition of HandySport, organised by the Handynamique association. It was a day of sport and inclusion, where children with disabilities and able-bodied children shared the same pitch.
It has become a much-anticipated event in Saint Martin. Every year, the Handynamique association, chaired by Aurélie Soucy, offers young people with disabilities the chance to play sport alongside able-bodied children, in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. This fifth edition was no exception. Basketball, futsal, golf-foot, boxing, badminton, and an agility course: the programme was varied, and smiles were in abundance. The activities were supervised by the island’s sports clubs — the Saint Martin Football League, ABC Intersports, Sandy Ground Superstars Boxing Association, Saint Martin Badminton Club, amongst others — whose volunteers accompanied the children throughout the day, with kindness and good humour.
Sharing, above all
On that day, three out of four children had disabilities and came from specialist services such as SESSAD (Special Education and Home Care Services), the CMP (Medical-Psychological Centre) or ULIS classes, which accommodate pupils with disabilities in mainstream schools. Yet, on the ground, what mattered most was playing together. This is, in essence, what Handynamique has championed since its inception: providing access to activities for young people who are sometimes excluded from them, and creating opportunities for natural interaction. The event, supported by the Prefecture and the Local Authority, is part of a ‘Living Together’ initiative that the association has consistently promoted, year after year. The next event is on 2 May at Le Galion, for Handysplash, a new gathering centred on water sports.
