Caussade College Shines at Departmental Badminton Championship

Montauban, France – Two teams from Collège Pierre-Darasse of Caussade delivered a dominant performance at the departmental badminton championship, held Wednesday by students in the physical education (EPS) program at Lycée Antoine-Bourdelle in Montauban. The teams, having qualified through district play, secured the top two positions in the tournament, showcasing the growing strength of badminton within the Caussade school system.

Darasse 1 and Darasse 2 Dominate the Competition

Following the morning’s pool play, both Collège Pierre-Darasse teams found themselves among the frontrunners. In the semi-finals, Team 2 – comprised of Juliette Thomarat, Maili Teulières, Alexandre Verdier, and Arthur Piquet, with Tom Guépard and Axel Michanol serving as referees – defeated the team from Nègrepelisse. Simultaneously, Team 1, consisting of Valentine Ferrera, Juliette Desgans, Raphael Parrado, and Léo Leroy, with Agathe Leroyer and Eliott Delcasse officiating, secured a victory against Lauzerte.

The stage was then set for an all-Caussade final, with Darasse 1 ultimately prevailing over Darasse 2. This mirrored their success from the previous year, as both teams once again claimed the first and second spots, respectively, ahead of competitors from Nègrepelisse, Lauzerte, Jean-de-Prades, Flamens, Labastide, and Villemur 5. The victory secures Team 1’s qualification for the upcoming academic championship.

Academic Championship Bound

Team 1 will now compete in the championship at Collège Manuel Azaña in Montauban on Wednesday, April 8th. This represents a significant achievement for the students and their school, highlighting their dedication and skill in the sport of badminton. The tournament will provide a higher level of competition as they face teams from across the academic region.

Beyond the two qualifying teams, the school’s physical education teacher likewise noted the strong performance of three additional students – Mohamed Noumi Dhia, Leo Paul Levard, and Raphael Passédat – in a non-official tournament held alongside the main competition. Their success further underscores the depth of talent within the Collège Pierre-Darasse badminton program.

Recognition from Local Officials

The students’ accomplishments were met with praise from Cyril Le Normand, the departmental director of National Education (DASEN) of Tarn-et-Garonne, as well as the headmistress of Lycée Bourdelle and the director of the Badminton CODEP (Comité Départemental). The recognition from these key figures emphasizes the importance of sports and extracurricular activities within the local education system.

“We can truly congratulate them and be proud of them because the day was long and demanding with many matches to play,” their physical education teacher commented, acknowledging the endurance and commitment demonstrated by the students throughout the tournament. The demanding schedule and high level of competition required both physical and mental fortitude from all participants.

Antoine Bourdelle and Montauban’s Sporting Legacy

The championship was hosted at Lycée Antoine-Bourdelle, a school named after the renowned French sculptor, Émile Antoine Bourdelle, who was born in Montauban in 1861. Bourdelle studied at the École des Beaux-arts de Toulouse and later at the École de Beaux-arts de Paris, establishing himself as a significant figure in the Art Deco movement. The school’s connection to a celebrated artist adds a layer of cultural significance to the sporting event.

Montauban, a city in the Tarn-et-Garonne department of France, has a rich history and a growing reputation for its commitment to sports and education. The success of Collège Pierre-Darasse’s badminton teams contributes to this positive image, showcasing the talent and dedication of the region’s young athletes. The city’s location in southwestern France provides a favorable climate for outdoor activities and a supportive environment for athletic development.

What’s Next for Team 1?

All eyes are now on Team 1 as they prepare for the academic championship on April 8th at Collège Manuel Azaña in Montauban. The team will undoubtedly be focused on refining their skills and strategies in anticipation of facing tougher competition. The academic championship represents a significant opportunity for the students to showcase their talent on a larger stage and potentially advance to even higher levels of competition.

The success of the Collège Pierre-Darasse badminton program is a testament to the dedication of the students, their teacher, and the supportive environment fostered by the school and the local community. It will be exciting to follow their progress as they continue to compete and strive for excellence in the sport of badminton.

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