Saturday June 11, the Night of the handicap returns on the place of Aquitaine of Villeneuve-sur-Lot for a 5th edition. This year again, the associations will set up many activities around the handicap.
“Prejudices that fall into a festive spirit”. This sentence from Marie-Caroline Selle, the president of the Lola et Cie association and linchpin of the Villeneuve-sur-Lot Disability Night, alone sums up the state of mind of this event. After a 2021 edition somewhat shaken up by health constraints, it returns to its original form this Saturday, June 11 from 3 p.m., still on the Place d’Aquitaine, the one that hosts the organic market every Wednesday. “We are growing as we go along,” rejoices Marie-Caroline, who will be able to count on 20 associations from Villeneuvois and Agenais to lead this afternoon. “From the start of the adventure, the associations of Villeneuve and the surrounding area responded to this event, which is intended for everyone, and free of charge. »
The actor of the series “Changing rooms” as godfather
Disability, a theme that has remained outside the debates of the presidential campaign – and even the current one, that of the legislative elections – but which is fortunately not supported by many volunteers. “We are compensating for the lack of the State” chorused the representatives of the associations who will be present in Villeneuve on June 11. The objective of this Disability Night is above all to bring people together around simple values: respect, humanism. “Over the years, people with disabilities have come to see us and have become loyal,” continues the president of Lola et Cie. It is also thanks to her that the Villeneuvoise Disability Night will have a prestigious sponsor for this 2022 edition, in the person of Adda Abdelli. Actor, he embodies one of the main characters of the series “Cloakrooms” broadcast on France 2 and who fights to break the prejudices around the handicap. “With Lola, we were able to attend a shoot in Bordeaux, and links were woven,” smiles Marie-Caroline Selle. Adda Abdelli will be in the morning for signings at the Livresse bookstore, on the occasion of the publication of his comic strip “Scouts”. “A star sponsor” who will launch the event at 3 p.m. (see opposite).
As in previous years, the program promises to be “rich and complete” with, in particular, the return of sports clubs. Wheelchair tennis, rugby but above all a tour of the bastide with bicycles adapted for people with disabilities. Through the center of Villeneuve, the organizers want to catch the eye of the curious and invite them to the party. Last year, 300 people flocked to Place d’Aquitaine despite the restrictions. “I appeal to all Lot-et-Garonne residents to come with their families” advances Xavier Clerc, deputy mayor of Villeneuve-sur-Lot who has displayed “the desire to maintain the event”. Especially since the event is one of only three to be offered in the South West. A big party to highlight all these structures that are dedicated and work for people with disabilities – and those around them – and who continue to seek “arms” to help them. So next Saturday, come and meet them to help them change their view of disability.
On the agenda for the day
The kick-off of the day will be given at 3 p.m. by the sponsor of this 2022 edition, Adda Abdelli and the Batucada de l’Arche en Agenais. At 3:15 p.m., a procession of bicycles adapted for people with disabilities will parade through the city center. On the Place d’Aquitaine, cooperative games at 3:30 p.m. by Unafam, wheelchair tennis from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. by the TCV, a large solidarity round at 6 p.m. to sing Grégoire’s song “Toi + moi” , and finally a round table hosted by Radio Bastides. Workshops and entertainment will also be offered continuously, including exhibitions of creations by Entraide et vous, La Cerisaie and the Foyer René Bonnet pastry shop. In terms of entertainment, there will be an introduction to rugby (rugby without difference); chess (Villeneuvois Chessboard); Snoezelen workshop (Maison d’Olt); henna tattoo (Tomenfantphare); the collective work which will be a garland of drawings (FREM); creative workshops (Bouchons d’amour); Boccia (Lola & cie); table tennis (PPCV); musical activities and zumba (GEM Etoile Bleue) and workshops by the Stade Villeneuvois and the APF. All until 8 p.m.!