Families still out in force!
Now an unmissable event in the life of the association, the ELA family weekend took place from August 23 to 26 at Center Parcs Les Hauts de Bruyères in Sologne. 138 families, or over 800 people, turned out for this thirtieth edition, which featured a host of new features!
A program and activities for everyone
Smiles were all around as the families arrived at the welcome stand. Many had come from far and wide to take part in this stay! After collecting everything they needed for the weekend, they had a chance to explore the renovated cottages before enjoying a convivial meal at the Experience Factory.
The weekend got off to a flying start on Saturday morning at the plenary session. While the older guests discovered the activities, speakers and personalities who would be accompanying us over the weekend, the younger ones enjoyed a variety of workshops, supervised by Center Parcs teams: painting, board games and face painting. The hairdressing workshop, run by Coralie, an ELA family, which was a new feature last year, was once again a great success!
After the meal, the Mini Disco turned up the heat at the Experience Factory! Families, godmothers and godfathers danced and sang along to the latest hits and classics. A great start to the Saturday afternoon activities. As usual, families were spoilt for choice: pony riding, adapted karate, handisport, “wheelchair technique” dance, photo studio, Nordic walking and storytelling. Talking groups enabled people to discuss their daily lives with the disease.
At snack time, Humain Cool, Jérémy Charvet and Diane Dassigny provided a musical break that delighted young and old alike! At the boutique, families were able to take advantage of reduced prices on ELA products, and discover a new preview: embroidered zipped sweatshirts for children and adults!
On Sunday morning, the privatization of Aqua Mundo for people with disabilities and their families is a much-anticipated event. Accompanied by their godparents, they enjoy a moment of calm and relaxation, using equipment that is difficult to find in local establishments.
While some relaxed, others took advantage of the return of diving baptisms, renewed following last year’s success. 20 newcomers enjoyed an experience that will live long in their memories!
A weekend of relaxation and well-being
In the daily grind of illness, moments of relaxation are few and far between. The return of individual treatments for caregivers and patients was therefore eagerly awaited by families. A team of six socio-aestheticians (Alice, Aurore, Camille, Céline, Christine and Coralie) ensured 75 appointments, proof of the high demand for this service.
Aurore, an ELA family, and her friend Alexia, psychomotricians, offered a relaxation and sensory workshop. This special moment provided an opportunity to discuss ways of creating a bubble of well-being at home, and forget about the disease for a few moments.
A focus on sport
In this year marked by the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the traditional treasure hunt offered to sibling children gave way to Olympiads. It was an opportunity to put their talents to the test in the hope of winning the ELA gold medal!
In addition to this novelty, families enjoyed the traditional sports activities, which are always a great success: Nordic walking, karate and self-defense, boccia and rifle shooting. On Sunday morning, after the swimming pool, the more courageous took part in a muscular awakening workshop before starting the traditional Prin’menade in tribute to our President Pascal Prin, who passed away in 2019.
Thanks to all!
The weekend was a resounding success, thanks to the loyal support of all those involved. Our warmest thanks go to the diving instructors from the Comité Handi Sub région Centre, dancer Pamela Bouthillier and her partner Laurent Besson, photographer André Dobosz, our team of socio-aestheticians, and the relatives of Béatrice Hess and Tiphaine Prin who led the handisport workshops.
Thanks also to the families who gave up their time to run the activities: Aurore Chrétien and Alexia Bruyère, Coralie Catherine, Frédéric Lukaszka, Kévin Patinaud.
Last but not least, thanks to our godmothers and godfathers who shared precious moments with the families: Pauline Bression (actor), Jérémy Charvet (actor and singer), Diane Dassigny (actor and singer), Humain Cool (singer), Marie-Hélène Lentini (actor), Dan Menasche (actor and singer), Fanny Peltier (athlete), Ella Philippe (actor) and Quentin Urban (kayaker).