Sartrouville, France – In a powerful demonstration of inclusive sport, the Department of Yvelines, in partnership with the Entente Sportive de Sartrouville Badminton club, has launched a successful adapted badminton program for individuals with disabilities. The initiative, part of the broader ‘ChampYons Clubs’ program, is designed to ensure everyone has access to the benefits of physical activity.
The gymnasium Louis Paulhan in Sartrouville recently echoed with the sounds of shuttlecocks being struck, as Théo, Aurélie, Sébastien, and Victor – residents of a nearby hospital in Montesson – participated in a week-long badminton stage tailored to their needs. The players, who have psychological or intellectual disabilities, were guided by Julia Benoît, a qualified physical activity instructor and member of the Sartrouville badminton club. Benoît’s pedagogical approach quickly helped the participants develop their skills.
“We start with a familiarization and warm-up period, then move on to technique, and finally, we play games on the court,” Benoît explained. “Through these exercises, they learn about their bodies and movements – what we call proprioception. We likewise work on coordination. Badminton provides exercises that help them develop their motor skills.”
Yvelines Department Champions Inclusivity
This badminton stage is a direct result of the Yvelines Department’s commitment to inclusive sports policies. The ‘ChampYons Clubs’ program is a key component of this effort, supporting 29 clubs across the region for the 2025/2026 period. A total of 77 actions, including this adapted badminton stage, are being organized throughout the territory, promoting inclusion for individuals with disabilities, as well as providing opportunities for education, citizenship, and adapted sports for seniors. The Entente Sportive de Sartrouville Badminton club embodies these values.
“The Entente Sportive de Sartrouville Badminton is a club committed beyond the sporting and competitive aspects,” said Frédéric Lechauve, the club’s president. “For example, we implement actions with the schools in the city. It was natural for us to develop the ‘adapted sport’ component for people with disabilities. The support from the Department allows us to carry out these sporting and solidarity actions.” The club also partners with the “Pass +” program, a departmental initiative that provides financial assistance – up to 100€ – to young people to encourage participation in sports and cultural activities.
Players quickly improved their skills with guidance from a qualified physical activity instructor. ©CD78
“The Results Are Very Positive”
The success of this adapted badminton stage highlights the unifying power of the ‘ChampYons Clubs’ program at the local level. It fosters connections between the Department, local clubs, and social and medical institutions. Laura and Aurélie, a psychomotor therapist and nurse at the Théophile Roussel hospital, leveraged their network to include patients from the Marly-le-Roi hospital in the stage.
“In our professional activities, we were looking for structures that allowed for adapted physical activity,” they explained. “The connection was easily made with the Sartrouville club. We were able to advise our colleagues in Marly-le-Roi so they could also benefit.” They concluded, “The results are very positive. The participants enjoy moving, they easily find motivation, and they reach back – that’s perfect.”
Founded in 1996, the Sartrouville badminton club currently boasts over 240 members. The club utilizes two gyms, each equipped with five courts, and employs two state-certified coaches, supported by a dedicated team of volunteers. It is recognized as one of the leading clubs in the Yvelines region. The club is also preparing to host its 21st Eco Tournoi de Sartrouville on January 10-11, 2026, with doubles competition on the 10th and mixed doubles on the 11th. Players with a ranking from NC to D7 are eligible to participate.
The Entente Sportive de Sartrouville Badminton also fields six teams – five mixed and one men’s – that will compete in upcoming matches, with home games held at the Jules Verne gymnasium. The club’s commitment extends beyond competition, with a focus on community engagement and inclusivity, as demonstrated by the ‘ChampYons Clubs’ initiative.
The ‘ChampYons Clubs’ program is a testament to the power of sport to break down barriers and create opportunities for all. The initiative in Sartrouville serves as a model for other communities looking to promote inclusivity and accessibility in sports. The next confirmed event for the club is the 21st Eco Tournoi de Sartrouville, offering a competitive platform for badminton enthusiasts of all levels.
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