The sports caravan, a unique event in France, is organized by the Departmental Olympic and Sports Committee of the Alpes-Maritimes (CDOS 06). It is an event that allows young people aged 4 to 14 to try out many sports.
Each year, the sports caravan breaks participation records. Last year, 4,396 passports were issued to children aged 4 to 14. This year, the organizers hope to distribute between 5,000 and 6,000.
For its 15th edition, the caravan will take place this summer, from Saturday, June 25, the first stop, to Friday, August 26, the last stop, in 27 cities of the Alpes-Maritimes, from the seaside to the mid and high country. The last stop will be in Golfe Juan and will be held semi-nocturnally (starting at 3:30 p.m.).
Olympics, sports, and citizenship as a theme
This year, with Rio 2016, the guiding theme of the caravan will be dedicated to the Olympic Games. Various games, contests, and activities will be planned. Other sports activities, between 15 and 20, will also be featured in the event: athletics, badminton, basketball, football, judo, tennis, volleyball…
Other lesser-known and less practiced sports will be presented to children such as weightlifting, fencing, softball, or sports in rural areas. “It’s about allowing children to find a sport they enjoy so they can get a license and develop within the chosen sports activity,” explains Philippe Manassero, president of the Departmental Olympic and Sports Committee (CDOS 06).
At each stage, there will be a “red card to violence” stand. It aims to teach children the values of sport such as fair play, merit, and respect for the opponent. “There is an important link between sport and citizenship. The values can be found through a club, a team, or a jersey,” says Philippe Manassero. Within this stand, communication will be through attractive visuals, quiz-style games, a charter signing, and the awarding of a “fair play” card to children and parents.
Training in first aid techniques
“All children attending the caravan will be trained in the first aid techniques that save lives. These citizen gestures should be known by as many people as possible in case of need,” affirms the president of CDOS 06, who joins the Alpes-Maritimes firefighters for this initiative. The organizers hope to train 5,000 to 6,000 children in first aid techniques.
Philippe Manassero also mentioned the values of volunteerism and dedication that mark this 15th edition of the sports caravan through the involvement of people at each stage to introduce thousands of children to various sports activities.
