One is a nurse, the other a nurse’s aide. More than work colleagues, Magali Baccino and Anne-Sophie Charlier define themselves as “a pair”. A duo as accomplices in the neurological department of the Sainte-Musse hospital as they are sports in life. From March 27 to April 6, the two friends will fly to Sri Lanka and participate in the Raid Amazones.
This ordeal will not be the first for these mothers. Together, they have already taken part in Spartan Race (obstacle course) or trails. “For me, sport has always been a way of life, admits Gardéenne Anne-Sophie. It allows me to surpass myself, to forget the worries of life.”
Sports competition and assistance to the population
For nearly 5 years, she “dreamed of doing the Amazon Raid, but [elle] couldn’t find anyone to accompany him. She then submits the idea to her six-furnace partner. Magali’s response is instantaneous: “Obviously I said yes. It’s going to be a crazy experience to have.” This 100% female sports competition, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, takes place in two stages: “Every morning, there is sport with six different events: trail running, cycling, running-bike, canoeing, archery and orienteering.”
But beyond the sporting aspect, the Raid Amazones is characterized by its human adventure: “In the afternoon, it’s eco-solidarity tourism. We’ll go to the villages, the schools to help the population. It allows you to visit Sri Lanka in another way”, rejoices Magali.
A way to escape
From their common adventures, a true friendship was born: “Professional life has made us feel good. A kind of friendly love at first sight. It’s a pleasure to work and evolve together”, they smile.
In two months, The Charlie’s Angels (the name of their partner), will swap their nursing coats for competitive outfits, in order to defend a cause that is particularly close to their hearts. (see box).
A way to escape from the current anxiety-provoking climate. “It feels good to think about something else. The only fear we have now is not being able to leave”, Magali admits.
Make their families proud
While waiting for the day of the big departure, the duo continues their preparation together… or with their spouses: “We both try to train as much as possible, but it’s complicated with the distance. We are lucky to be supported. They accompanied us in the search for sponsors, the development of the project and now they help train us, detail the health personnel.
Both characterize each other as “stubborn”. Because despite their children, they find the time “to set yourself challenges and succeed in them”. By competing against some 300 other competitors, Magali and Anne-Sophie want to prove to their daughters what they are still capable of: “We want to show them that it’s not just work or family to manage. Even when you’re a mother, you can continue to do extraordinary things. Simply have a woman’s life!”
