Happy and focused. Thursday, September 14, the seniors participating in the Solea sporting challenge showed their determination. Divided into teams, the 300 residents of the 16 establishments present took part in turn in the various workshops organized. Pétanque, zumba, rugby, handball, archery, sports course… In total, around twenty activities for seniors from Millau, but also from Saint-Affrique, Broquiès and Sainte-Geneviève-sur-Argence. “This is an important moment in the lives of the establishments of the Solea group, explains Patrice Vidal, administrator of the organization and director of the Sainte-Marie residence in Nant. With this event, we want to highlight physical activity for seniors, which promotes autonomy, for example.”
The practice of physical activity is at the heart of the event
Coordinated by Cédric Rigal, the Solea challenge promotes sports practice and involves a well-established organization. “It’s a year-round job, explains the latter. The common thread is that residents train on certain activities in their establishments and discover others during the meeting.” In addition to maintaining good physical shape, the challenge is also intended to create links between participants.
Danièle Gilbert as godmother
From 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., with a lunch break and a shared meal, time was given to sport and surpassing oneself. All under the encouragement of Danièle Gilbert, the emblematic presenter of Midi Première, godmother of the event. Microphone in hand, she wandered between the poles, happily taking part in the photo game. For Patrice Vidal, “the choice of Danièle Gilbert was obvious, she is someone very empathetic and who speaks to our elders”. The main person involved also took her role very seriously. “I find this challenge to be a very good initiative, she slipped. Give time to older people, don’t be indifferent to each other.” Delighted and to have been contacted to supervise the event, she said “touched” noted “that in our society, we are still surrounded by humanity”, praising in particular the role of facilitators alongside elders. In addition to establishment staff, event partners, associations, private companies and even departmental sports committees were present. Like Laura, Claire and Léa, STAPS degree students in Physical activities adapted for health purposes in Rodez. Throughout the day, they supervised the residents for a Zumba workshop. “What we like is to help with the practice of sport and to allow these elderly people to escape from everyday life,” they indicate. Around 4 p.m., the workshops gave way to the awards ceremony. Another highlight of the day, before everyone returns to their establishment. For this fifth edition, the Solea challenge kept its promises: sport, challenges and above all, lots of good humor.
Arriving in Millau the day before the Solea challenge, the sponsor of the event took advantage of her visit to learn a little more about the history of the city which is nicknamed “the city of gloves”. Wednesday September 13 at the end of the day, Danièle Gilbert visited the Maison Fabre workshop. “What I like is discovering people, the background of the story, it was the same thing when I was on television,” assures the former star host. Danièle Gilbert was then received at City Hall. On the journey, which she made on foot, many Millavois recognized the face of the Midi Première presenter and posed alongside her for a souvenir photo.
2023-09-24 06:00:00
#Seniors #track #Solea #challenge
