Reims, France – For children from modest backgrounds, the opportunity to participate in organized sports can be transformative. In Reims, the Secours populaire organization is making that opportunity a reality, funding sports licenses and opening doors for young athletes to pursue their passions. This initiative isn’t just about physical activity; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging, building confidence, and providing a pathway to a brighter future.
The story of Dachi, 7, and his brother Zurab, 12, exemplifies the impact of this program. The two brothers have found a home and a challenge at the Dodo Rémois judo club. “Together and with a lot of enthusiasm, they rush to their judo training,” shares their older sister, Mariam, 20, a student who witnesses the positive effect the sport has on her brothers. Every Tuesday and Wednesday evening, the club provides an hour of instruction, camaraderie, and healthy competition.
“My little brothers have been practicing judo here for two years now. They love it. It allows them to expend energy and do something outside of school. In the evening, I pick them up, they are a little tired but it’s a good fatigue. It rests us too!” Mariam explained with a smile. The benefits extend beyond the children themselves, offering a respite and a shared positive experience for the entire family.
Dachi and Zurab are fully engaged in their fresh passion. “I started and I liked it. My brother joined after. I would like to continue, just in activity,” Dachi shared. Zurab, who has a disability, found inspiration in his brother’s enthusiasm. “I like judo and school,” he said simply. Mariam elaborated, “He saw his brother so happy talking about it, telling him everything he was doing. He asked to join. We spoke with the coach [the judo instructor] who then trained him, and continues to train him, with the others.” The brothers have already achieved the rank of yellow and white belt, and are diligently working towards their next promotions.
The impact of sports extends beyond physical skill development. The judo club provides a crucial social outlet for the children. “Here at judo, we make friends. We are not all the same age and we don’t all go to the same school. It’s great because we share good times,” Dachi explained. Sports, at any level, offer a unique opportunity to build relationships with people outside of one’s immediate family, school, or workplace, united by a common passion. For young people, expanding their social circle is vital for personal growth and developing social ease.
Khutsishvili Giorgi, the judo instructor, recognizes the broader benefits. “Some children are particularly shy. Here, they share, they flourish. It’s important that all children can practice an activity they enjoy,” he said. “I’ve been doing this job for ten years and I’ve always seen children on the mats thanks to Secours populaire. This year, for example, I have 5 or 6 children whose licenses are fully funded by the organization.”
For several years, local branches and committees of Secours populaire in the Marne region have been assisting families with the financial burden of sports licenses. The goal is to ensure that all children, regardless of their socioeconomic background, have the opportunity to participate in a sport they love. “We didn’t understand it was possible at all. We made an appointment with a social worker who told us about Secours populaire. My brothers are fortunate enough to be fully supported in this process, and it’s a real relief for our parents,” Mariam shared. “The kids are happy, and they don’t have to worry about some of the problems they are too young to understand. It’s not just the sport, it’s the freedom that Secours offers them!”
Giorgi also strives to support families. “It’s always a little delicate to talk about money with parents. In some cases, You can understand things a bit, so we allow ourselves to touch on the subject and guide families as best we can. Parents also communicate a lot with each other to pick up or drop off the children, so they also create connections and share their advice and experiences, including those with Secours populaire,” he noted.
Today, in the Marne region, 110 children are seeing their sporting dreams approach true thanks to the solidarity of Secours populaire. “We seriously started registrations just after the Covid pandemic. People needed that, to get out and meet others. In 2024, during the Olympic Games, there was a huge surge in interest. We allowed almost 150 children to practice a sport that year,” explained Anne-Marie Duriez, a volunteer in charge of access to sport for children and departmental secretary for solidarity in France. “Secours populaire works tirelessly with sports associations that agree to sign a convention offering a solidarity rate,” she added. After ensuring that families have access to all their rights (such as the “pass’loisirs” from the CAF or the “pass Sport” from the Ministry of Sports, Youth and Associative Life), Secours populaire provides financial assistance to cover, in part or in full, the remaining costs. When possible, families also make a financial contribution – “which we strive to make as gentle as possible,” Anne-Marie clarified.
You too can help fund these sports licenses by following this link to make a donation. It is thanks to you and your support that Dachi and his brother Zurab can today say “Thank you,” just before going onto the mat.
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