ROSPORDEN, France – The Badminton Rosporden club is set to host its fourth annual solidarity tournament on Saturday, March 21st, aiming to raise funds for La Petite Océane, an association supporting 15-year-traditional Océane, who is living with a form of muscular myopathy. The event, a key fixture in the local sporting calendar, underscores the club’s commitment to community support and providing assistance to those in need.
This year’s tournament will directly benefit Océane, helping to cover the costs of essential equipment and adaptations required to manage her condition. The funds raised will contribute to improving her daily life, which is significantly impacted by the challenges posed by her illness. Organizers emphasize that all proceeds from the tournament will be directly donated to La Petite Océane.
Supporting Océane’s Mobility
Océane relies on an electric wheelchair for mobility, a necessity for navigating daily life. While the cost of the wheelchair itself is now covered, a crucial component – a spare battery – remains an out-of-pocket expense for her family. According to Sophie Jaouen and Fabien Chevallier, Océane’s parents, a replacement battery costs approximately €700. “Since recently, wheelchairs are covered and thankfully so,” they explained. “Even though, a spare battery isn’t, and it’s really necessary. It’s a difficult sum to reach up with, especially considering the additional adaptations Océane needs, and assistance isn’t readily available.”
The need for a spare battery is particularly acute, ensuring Océane maintains her independence and can continue to participate in activities despite potential mechanical issues with her primary power source. The tournament aims to alleviate this financial burden and provide Océane with the security of knowing she has a reliable backup.
A Tournament for All Skill Levels
Alexandra Concha, president of Badminton Rosporden, and Anaïs Nicolas, treasurer, detailed the inclusive nature of the tournament. “It’s a tournament open to everyone, from age 16, in mixed, men’s, and women’s doubles,” Concha explained. “You don’t need to be a skilled player, as there’s no pressure or ranking to defend here – the motto is to have fun. The goal is simple: to share a good time on the courts in a friendly and accessible atmosphere.”
The event will feature entertainment, including a shuttlecock launcher, adding to the festive atmosphere. Organizers are keen to emphasize that the tournament is about participation and enjoyment, rather than competitive prowess. This approach aims to attract players of all abilities and foster a sense of community spirit.
Beyond the badminton action, attendees can enjoy refreshments, with a small selection of food (coffee, sandwiches, cakes) and a bar offering beer and soft drinks. This contributes to the warm and welcoming environment the organizers are striving to create.
Tournament Details and Registration
Registration for the tournament is open until Saturday, March 14th, with a fee of €5 per player. Interested participants can download the registration form from the Badminton Rosporden website: badminton-rosporden.jimdosite.com. Further information can be obtained by calling +33 7 80 13 57 72.
For those unable to attend the tournament but wishing to contribute, a donation page has been set up on the Facebook page of La Petite Océane: https://www.facebook.com/associationlapetiteoceane/?locale=fr_FR. This provides an alternative avenue for supporting Océane and her family.
The tournament will be held at the Salle Colette Besson in Rosporden, a well-known local sports facility. The event promises a day of friendly competition, community spirit, and, most importantly, support for a young woman facing significant health challenges. The Badminton Rosporden club hopes to build on the success of previous editions and create this year’s tournament the most impactful yet.
This event highlights the power of sport to unite communities and provide support for those in need. The Badminton Rosporden’s initiative serves as a shining example of how local clubs can make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families facing adversity.
The next key date for those wishing to participate is March 14th, the registration deadline. Following the tournament on March 21st, updates and the total amount raised will be posted on the Badminton Rosporden website and the La Petite Océane Facebook page.
