France
153 French families gathered at Center Parcs
The ELA France family gathering weekend took place at Center Parcs Les Hauts de Bruyères in Sologne from 21 to 24 August. 153 families (including six new ones), totalling more than 930 people, took part in this 32nd edition, which was made possible thanks to the funds raised in 2024 during the “Watches for ELA” sale.
Three days of respite for everyone
On Friday afternoon, the families were welcomed by the ELA and Center Parcs teams before enjoying a reunion dinner at the Action Factory.
The following morning, the plenary meeting kicked off a day packed with activities! Whilst the parents familiarised themselves with the programme, the younger children took part in creative workshops run by Center Parcs: painting, board games and face painting.
In the afternoon, families, mentors and sponsors danced and sang together at the Mini Disco, before splitting up to take part in the many activities on offer: pony rides, fencing, para-sport, ‘wheelchair technique’ dance, a photo studio, Nordic walking, story reading and discussion groups.
Relaxation, wellbeing and emotions
On Sunday morning, the private booking of Aqua Mundo for people with disabilities and their families became an unmissable event. In a calm and safe environment, with adapted equipment, families, sponsors and mentors shared a rare and precious moment of relaxation.
Another eagerly awaited highlight was the return of first-time diving experiences. Instructors from the FFESSM (French Federation for Underwater Studies and Sports), qualified to supervise participants with disabilities, enabled the 24 participants to enjoy an unforgettable experience.
The return of individual care sessions for carers and patients was also eagerly anticipated by families. A team of five socio-aestheticians conducted 65 appointments throughout the weekend (massages, facials, etc.).
Céline, a socio-aesthetician, ran her “magical massages” workshop again for parent-child pairs. Around twenty parents learnt, through play and short stories, simple techniques to soothe their children and share a moment of tenderness with them.
On Sunday morning, Céline also led a sound relaxation session. Lulled by the rhythms and vibrations of instruments from around the world (ocean drum, singing bowls, chimes), the families treated themselves to a genuine respite of calm and deep serenity.
Gaëlle, a teacher specialising in adapted physical activity, ran a yoga workshop open to everyone, including those with reduced mobility. It was an opportunity to discover a gentle form of exercise that can be incorporated into daily life to relieve minor discomfort associated with illness and disability.
Sporting and recreational activities
In keeping with the spirit of ELA, sport once again brought together children and adults alike: Olympic-style games for the children, Nordic walking, fencing, boccia, rifle shooting…
These activities, as always organised by Tiphaine Prin alongside Béatrice Hess and her family, prove a huge success every year. Games also brought families together through two very popular events. On Saturday evening, 20 teenagers got together for a game of bowling. The brothers and sisters shared a fun and friendly moment, perfect for meeting new people and making new friends.
On Sunday morning, the traditional ‘Prin’menade’ brought together numerous participants in tribute to our President Pascal Prin, who passed away in 2019, and to all the bereaved families.
In the afternoon, Frédéric brought together young and old alike for some board games (Ticket to Ride, Kingdomino, Gagne ton Papa, chess, etc.), extending the weekend a little longer even after the official activities had ended.
