By Redaction Saint-Germain
Published on 1 Feb 21 at 9:31
Currently in full preparation of Paralympic Games which will be held in Tokyo this summer after the one-year postponement linked to the health crisis, Méril Loquette just received the support ofAndrésy (Yvelines), his hometown. The municipality has in fact decided to award him an individual grant of 5,000 euros.
For this young 24-year-old para-badminton player, this is a significant financial aid in a period when he has to train without being able to compete.
“I am very happy because this type of help makes it possible to lighten mentally in order to be in focus on my objective,” says the four-time champion of France. With the period we are living in now, it feels good to be supported. We train a little in a vacuum but we have to keep up the pace to be ready on the big day ”
Licensed at the Maisons-Laffitte BML club after a stint at the Maurecourt club where he learned everything, Méril usually trains at the CREPS in Bourges. Due to various constraints, his Federation encouraged him to concentrate his daily sessions in Île-de-France. As was the case last Thursday at the Stéphane-Diagana complex where Méril did the exercises alongside his sparring partner.
“I did high-level judo, from my 3 years old until I was 17, then I discovered badminton in college at the same time,” says Méril. Then, one thing leading to another, I was spotted by the France pole. It all happened very quickly. “
Currently 5e world, the explosive Méril intends to “smash everything” this summer in order to bring home a medal. For his part, Lionel Wastl, Mayor of Andrésy, will not fail to follow the performances of a boy he saw growing up:
“Méril was at school with my daughter,” explains Lionel Wastl. They even did mixed doubles together. He was a young man already super gifted, fair play and endowed with a great maturity. “
Through the course of its champion, the municipality intends to develop a real policy around disabled sports. In addition to the creation of a dedicated municipal commission, actions in partnership with sports associations such as the basketball club will see the light of day. Events for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games are also in preparation.
Florian Dacheux
