On the occasion of the Rugby World Cup, rather special physical activity sessions are organized in the 6 EHPADs (accommodation establishments for dependent elderly people) in Albi (Tarn) in partnership with the Sporting Club d ‘Albi.
Since the beginning of September, once a week, residents of the 6 EHPADs in Albi in the Tarn department have been in tune with the Rugby World Cup. The occupational therapist of the “jardins d’Escudié”, Mélanie Delard, has designed physical activity sessions adapted to the elderly in connection with the oval ball.
These workshops take place in partnership with educators and volunteers from the Sporting Club d’Albi.
Each of the participants finds what they are looking for. That day, around twenty of them (out of the 70 residents) met to play. Equipped with bibs, these 3rd or 4th age players are ready for 1h30 of sport. On the program: passes, tries and transformations, whether valid or a little less, everyone takes part in the game.
rugby session • © Pierre-Jean Vergnes
“It allows us to work on the mobility of the elderly, to work on the movements of the arms, the legs, getting up, walking. So, we jumped at the opportunity to demystify rugby to make it more of a friendly sport”
Mélanie Delard – occupational therapist EHPAD “les jardin d’Escudié”
It is also an opportunity to surpass your physical limits by surprising yourself a little;
“It’s the first time I’ve been here, I think it’s very good. I didn’t think I’d be able to make it but it’s good”
Eliane, resident of the EHPAD
“It allows them to talk, to see other people, from the outside, because we’re not there during the week… we get news and it’s a really friendly moment both for them and for us in the end”
Cloé Guillerot – SC Albi events manager
On October 3, everyone will meet for the “Albi EHPAD World Cup”, at the municipal stadium for a day of celebration around the oval ball. The Sporting Club d’Albi invites them on October 13 for the Albi / Hyères Carqueiranne match, just to extend this lovely adventure.
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