they experience the race in a joëlette
9 a.m., rue Monge, in Paris (Ve). The cool, foggy weather is ideal for running a half marathon. While the first runners have already set off, others are still warming up in short strides. But it is a completely different preparation that the participants of the Saint-Colomban house are tackling. Keys, pumps, cushions for the backrests… Here, no heavy breathing or warm-up strides: the clicking of metal and the adjustments of the joëlettes replace the runners’ stretching.
The Saint-Colomban house, supported by the Sainte-Jeanne-de-Valois Foundation, is a Breton establishment which welcomes adults with disabilities. For the second year in a row, three residents are participating in the Paris half-marathon in a joëlette, an all-terrain wheelchair that allows disabled people to take part in running races.
Collective mobilization to prepare for the race
Today, there are nearly forty of them who have mobilized to make this day unforgettable for Grégoire, Foucauld and Romain, the three residents involved in the race. The first two suffer from hydrocephalus, a pathology linked to excess fluid in the brain. Romain has Down syndrome. Distribution of t-shirts, bibs, food, encouragement, predictions… the energy is palpable.
This involvement is not limited to race day. “There is a whole preparation for the half-marathon in which the residents are fully involved,” explains Louis d’Ogny, benefactor of the Saint-Colomban house and father of Grégoire and Foucauld. “They participate in the making of the signs, choose the companions of the joëlettes and also follow the event on the Instagram account. »
Beyond the sporting challenge, the initiative above all carries a message. “The first goal is sharing: it’s united, everyone is happy, those who run the semi as well as those who assist,” he continues. “The second objective is to make the house known. We publish a lot of videos on Instagram to help people discover it. »
Joëlettes at the start: a vibrant emotion
Once the chairs are ready, the team heads to the starting line. From the calm of rue Monge to the bustling departure gate, there are only two hundred meters. On Boulevard Saint-Germain, the crowded runners stamp their feet, encouraged by the speaker who warms up the atmosphere.
“All the volunteers let them pass,” says a supporter. “And for us the spectators, it’s almost too fast to keep up. » He adds with a smile: “When we are with them, we almost feel like a star: we go everywhere and people cheer us. »
At the start, supporters bang on the wooden barriers to encourage the runners. Balloons and colorful signs from Maison Saint-Colomban wave in the crowd. On the starting line, the runners form a chain around the joëlettes because there are so many of them. In a vibrant atmosphere, the departure is launched.
Louis d’Ogny knows this excitement well since he is at the origin of this initiative. “More than ten years ago, I had the idea of having Grégoire participate in the half-marathon, accompanied by a few sports friends,” he says. “The event has brought together more and more runners each year. When my son joined Saint-Colomban House, I suggested that the structure continue this personal initiative. »
The Saint-Colomban house, a place of life and fulfillment
There are many activities at Maison Saint-Colomban. And the days are busy for the residents. “When I call my son to check on him, he often tells me: “I don’t have time!” », smiles Louis d’Ogny. “He doesn’t know the Sunday night blues. »
There is obviously medical care and physiotherapy sessions, but also numerous sporting and cultural activities: plastic arts, cooking workshops, swimming pool, reading time or quiet time in the rooms. Residents also visit elderly people in retirement homes. One or two outings are organized each year, for example to Puy du Fou.
The Christian dimension is also manifested through catechesis sessions – not obligatory –, shared prayer times and the regular visit of priests who come to interact with the residents.
The day of the half-marathon nevertheless remains a highly anticipated moment. “It’s a real goal for their year,” confides Jean-Joseph, one of the runners pushing a joëlette. “They are waiting for it with great impatience. »
At the exit of the Bois de Vincennes, at the 14th kilometer, around twenty supporters enthusiastically await the passage of the joëlettes. A banner proclaims “Go Saint-Colomban!” » A Breton flag flies above the group and attracts encouragement from the other runners. A small technical problem forced the team to stop for a few minutes, but the pace remained regular.
At the finish, a sporting and human victory
Return to rue Monge, two hours after departure. The sun is now out and the temperature is rising quickly. But the team arrives with a smile: the time is excellent, less than two hours. Grégoire, Foucauld and Romain are tired but happy. Bottles of champagne, glasses and confetti await them to celebrate them like stars until the end.
For Romain’s mother, this moment also has a special value for families. “For the parents of these young people, it is comforting to see that there are many people ready to spend time alongside their children. It’s a heart-warming recognition. »
Louis d’Ogny sees a broader message in this adventure. “It is always good to make known what we are experiencing: to show that those we believe to be fragile contribute a lot and that inclusion creates visible and inspiring human wealth. » He himself confides how much this experience transformed his life. “My life has changed. When I have worries, I think of my son: I know he is happy and that makes me happy. Maybe, thanks to this half marathon, I will also help other people to change their outlook on disability. »
A final cry of victory rings out. The same evening, they will set off again towards Brittany, with stars in their eyes.
