“We can do a lot too! “: when Paralympic medalists meet young disabled people from Oba

“The visually impaired person is behind the guide. » This Monday, February 19, 58-year-old Vincent Mignon explains how a tandem, a two-seater bicycle, works to the young people present in the multifunctional hall of the Sainte-Savine health and social center in Aube. A former silver and bronze medalist at the 1996 Paralympic Games in para-cycling in Atlanta finds the right words to ease the drama and make the disabled young people from the Chanteloupe Institute gathered here want to overcome their situation.

“It takes some cohesion,” he continues. The advantage is that the two cranks are connected by a chain so that both teammates pedal at the same time. As a result, the visually impaired cyclist is put at ease because there is someone in front of them who can see clearly… basically! » Children’s laughter is heard in the room. A former high-level footballer (defender of the 2nd division Chaumont in Haute-Marne from 1986 to 1990), Vincent Mignon almost lost his sight as a result of a hospital infection during a routine operation for appendicitis.

Because of this health accident, his passion for tandem was born, which led him to more titles with his teammate Eric Ghezo. He is now a physiotherapist, “a profession tailored to the visually impaired”, and also spends long days playing golf. “Being visually impaired or blind is not a problem, it is possible to work correctly even if you have a sensory disability. And I have four children and two grandchildren! “A way to remind us that we can also succeed in family life.

Vincent Mignon is today in the company of Bernard Champenois, former Paralympic champion and 2000 silver medalist in para-cycling in Sydney. The eyes of disabled (and able-bodied) young people are drawn to the medals and T-shirts of the latter, right down to the photograph of Bernard Champenois being presented with the Legion of Honor by former President of the Republic Jacques Chirac. They don’t miss a beat of the story of the two champions, translated into sign language for hearing-impaired youth. “We must explain to children that if an accident happens to us in life, we can live well again,” explains the champion.

An extraordinary life… after an accident!

“I had a good life from 0 to 18 years old. And from the age of 18 to this day I have had an extraordinary life! “says Bernard Champenois. Eighteen was the age when he was involved in a very serious motorcycle accident. “Before,” he said, “I was a high jumper, cleared 2.02m, I had a national level.” After unsuccessful surgery for a torn cruciate ligament, he was left to deal with a stiff leg that no longer bends. Inspired by Vincent Mignon’s adventure in Sydney, Bernard takes up cycling. Victories, European and world champion titles, Paralympic medals… The cabinet is full of trophies.

“And I have three children,” he proudly emphasizes in turn. “Unfortunately,” he admits, “being a high-level sport, I couldn’t really take care of them because it was more cycling, work and sleep. Luckily my wife was there! » The young 63-year-old pensioner also presents his bicycle, equipped with a small adapted pedal that he made himself for his blocked left knee. “I only have one ankle movement and that allows me to keep my balance on his bike. » Two testimonies strong enough to open up the field of opportunity for young people with disabilities. “I was successful in sports,” explains Bernard Champenois. For them it will probably be reading, computers, they will have to find their way and then they will explode. My secret is a lot of work. You need to learn if you want to be able to do what you want. »

Children are integrated into local schools

This meeting with two champions of sports with disabilities is the result of an educational project carried out within the framework of the Olympic Games, designed to unite all children and professionals from the Chanteloupe Institute in Saint-Savin and to enrich the journal of the medical and social center. . Young people between the ages of 0 and 20 with three disabilities: motor, vision and hearing are welcomed here, and some are integrated into local schools. Hence the presence on this day of a class from the Jules Ferry school, which welcomes a child with motor problems in CE2. “It also shows schools that there is a center for people with disabilities and that they are also capable of many things,” emphasizes Jérôme Walbrou, teacher of adapted physical activity.

Nelya, 17 years old, suffers from a motor disability. While in a wheelchair on the day of the conference, she was able to get around thanks to splints and a walker. “I do a little bit of blowpipe,” she says, wanting to show that playing the sport is not out of reach for her. “What touched me (about these two champions) is their determination, they are proving that they can go far and that we can do things too. »