Every Tuesday, the Kervignac Archers open two para-archery slots. It is one of the only clubs in Brittany to offer disabled archers the practice of this sport, with individualized and adapted supervision. “We have nine shooters this year. We can accommodate up to three chairs on the shooting range. The autonomy of people also limits our capacity,” begins Thierry Simonin, federal archery coach, who has been at the club for eight years.
“One day, during an open house, a blind person asked me to try. That was the trigger. A year later, in 2010, I obtained my disabled sports qualification certificate,” continues the man who is also vice-president of the departmental disabled sports committee. The activity is for any type of disability, physical or sensory, sight, hearing, etc. “For the psychic, it’s another federation, another diploma.”
The technique is the same for everyone but the adaptation is different depending on the disability or pathology
Assisted by Jean-Charles, federal trainer in Kervignac and learning about disability, Thierry advises Christian, already an archer before his DIY accident. After losing the fingers on his left hand, he continued to enjoy his sport. Jean-Louis, visually impaired, uses a small wooden ball to support his hand and adjust the height and side. “It’s like the able-bodied who uses the peephole. The technique is the same for everyone but the adaptation is different depending on the disability or pathology. It’s a personal adaptation,” notes Thierry Simonin.
“A real family”
For Mathieu, a quadriplegic in a wheelchair, an arc support and a viewing arm are necessary, as well as the presence of Charlotte, his caregiver. He begins his second season after meeting Thierry. Tapping on his tablet to communicate, this former basketball player smiles: “It’s great for breathing and concentration. It’s a real family here.”
