FRG26 DC Engage performance Guadeloupe Land of Champions

As part of the Erasmus+ Respectol exchange program, students participated in an afternoon themed "Guadeloupe, Land of Champions." This expression is often used to describe Guadeloupe because this island, despite its small size, has produced numerous high-level athletes who shine on the national and international stage. In diverse disciplines such as athletics, football, boxing, judo, and fencing, Guadeloupean athletes regularly distinguish themselves through their talent, determination, and exceptional performances. They represent a true source of pride and inspiration for young people. The first part of the afternoon consisted of a video conference with Yannick Borel, Olympic fencing champion. Born in Guadeloupe, Yannick Borel is one of the greatest French fencers of his generation. A fencing specialist, he has won numerous medals throughout his career, including the team gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, as well as several world and European titles. Thanks to his remarkable career, he perfectly embodies the idea of ​​"Guadeloupe, land of champions." The students had the opportunity to ask him many questions about his sporting career, how he manages pressure before competitions, and his experience at the Olympic Games. Yannick Borel answered with great sincerity and candor. Very approachable and attentive, he took the time to talk with the students and share his advice, his challenges, and his motivations. During this meeting, he particularly emphasized the importance of exchanges between young people, openness to others, and friendship. He explained that Erasmus+ projects not only allow students to discover other cultures but also to create strong and lasting bonds between them. His testimony deeply resonated with the participants, who appreciated this special opportunity to connect with a great champion who remained very approachable and relatable to the young people. Next, the students participated in a workshop in groups of three using tablets. Based on online research, they completed a Google Forms questionnaire about three great champions: Marie José Perec, Teddy Riner, and Hélios Latchoumanaya. This activity allowed them to discover inspiring journeys marked by hard work, perseverance, and pushing their limits. The students also gained a better understanding of the values ​​of para-sports and the importance of inclusion in elite sports. The afternoon concluded with oral presentations during which each group shared the results of their research and the key points they had identified about the different champions. These discussions allowed the students to develop their public speaking skills while highlighting the collaborative work accomplished during the workshops. This afternoon, rich in discoveries and encounters, highlighted the values ​​of sport, respect, sharing and cultural openness, at the heart of the Erasmus+ Respectol project