– When the practice of judo blurs differences
Every Monday, five athletes with disabilities join a group of around twenty judokas in Beausobre. With sometimes surprising results.
Published today at 11:28 a.m.
During the inclusive course, Morgian judokas with disabilities train under the watchful eye of Michelangelo Della Vecchia (black belt).
MARIE-LOU DUMAUTHIOZ
It’s Monday, 6:30 p.m., in Morges. The judo class doesn’t start until 7:30 p.m., but Jean-Marc Fiaux is already there, ready to train in his judogi held in place by an orange belt. This disabled athlete has been practicing judo for thirteen years. He even participated in the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles in 2015.
Jean-Marc looks forward to his Monday lesson. “When I come here, I feel pleasure,” he says. I found my friends. We are welcomed like everyone else. Despite our disability, we are all equal.”
Jean-Marc Fiaux has been practicing judo for 13 years. He competed in the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles.
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“Pleasure and equality” are two words that well describe the atmosphere of these inclusive sessions. In the dojo, around twenty judokas, sometimes very experienced, welcome five participants with mental and physical disabilities. On the tatami, the fighters mingle. Suddenly there are only judokas. As if the difference had remained in the locker room.
On Monday evenings, people with disabilities and able-bodied people mix in Beausobre.
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“I appreciate this inclusive side,” says Serra Göçmen, a newcomer to the group. We feel like we’re part of a family. There is a positive spirit in this team which motivates, gives joy and good humor. I like the power, the energy that we find in judo.”
Serra Göçmen feels at Judo Club Morges like family.
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No doubt, the magic formula works. In the course taught by Astrid Schreiber, 6th dan and multiple Swiss champion, the five athletes require a little more attention. So, Michelangelo Della Vecchia, himself 3rd dan and former Swiss individual and team champion, ensures that everything goes well. “I’m there for support. I welcome them, help them put their seat belts back on, give them advice and ensure their safety. I also make the link between the club and their family or home. These athletes bring me a lot. Thanks to them, after the course, I feel good and refreshed.”
Learn to dress
The aim of these inclusive lessons is to allow people with intellectual and/or physical disabilities to practice sport in the company of able-bodied people. Before starting the course, there is a part dedicated to integration. “We take time to learn how to dress,” explains Michelangelo Della Vecchia. Some people need help every week. Others are more independent.”
Able-bodied people advise and help people with disabilities.
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As its name suggests, adapted judo must listen to the difficulties of each judoka. And that can be learned. Michelangelo Della Vecchia followed disability sports and adapted sports courses at Macolin, under the aegis of PluSport, which teaches pathologies and manipulations in particular. “This learning is done under the control of nurses and educators,” he explains. In particular, we are taught to be in the water with people with disabilities. Or pushing a wheelchair, etc.” He is also a Special Olympics coach, to support his athletes in adapted competitions.
The progression is sometimes spectacular among adapted judo athletes.
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Because integrating people with disabilities is not trivial. The risks exist. Some people with Down syndrome, for example, do not have enough muscles in their neck. They may become entwined, which could cause complete paralysis. “In the event of potential danger, we must refrain from welcoming certain athletes,” underlines the instructor of the Judo Club Morges.
No gift
Another concern, less serious but particularly annoying, is that participants may be incontinent. In these cases, regular contact with the staff of the homes in which these athletes live is essential to discuss and plan for their comfort needs.
The level of the courses is high.
MARIE-LOU DUMAUTHIOZ
In Beausobre, where this course like no other takes place, the person in charge of adapted judo systematically invites parents and educators to attend the exams, when a new belt is awarded. “We are not doing them any favors. They must deserve their belt,” insists Michelangelo Della Vecchia.
The distinction thus has a greater flavor. The progress observed is sometimes surprising. “A mother once explained to me that her son had never been able to get down on his knees. When she saw that he was doing a backward roll, she was overcome with emotion, the trainer recalls. Another student convinced himself he was an athlete and started watching his figure. So much so that he followed the advice of a dietitian and took care of himself with the greatest care.”
These inclusive lessons have been taking place in Morges for six years. Previously, Michelangelo Della Vecchia taught his art in Lausanne, at the Mikami Judo Club. But it didn’t work the first time. “My 13-14 year old students had difficulty finding their place among able-bodied judokas of their age. So, we tried to integrate them with toddlers aged 6-8. And it became great. The children fastened the seat belts of teenagers with disabilities.” The alchemy worked and the followers of adapted judo have progressed a lot.
Today, integration goes beyond Monday classes. During the Ranking 1000 tournament organized by the Morges Judo Club, more than 1000 competitors from eleven nations are competing. Inclusive judo students participate as volunteers. “Yohan Oberson took all the photos of the tournament,” observes the group leader with pride. Jean-Marc Fiaux is also a great volunteer when it comes to helping out in our events. We can really count on him. Everyone knows him. The children check him. He is part of the life of the club. Proof that when sport unites, everyone wins.
Other topics on the same themePierre-Alain Schlosser has been a journalist since 1998. After working as a freelancer for 4 years, he joined the 24-hour sports section which he directed for 10 years. Since 2017, he has written for the Sport-Center agency, where he primarily deals with regional sports.More info@PASchlosser1
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2024-05-13 10:17:29
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