Organized by the regional PACA committee of the FFESSM, the one-week course recently held at the CREPS in Antibes allowed about twenty people with disabilities to practice diving. Here is a look at the organizers’ expectations and the feedback gathered from a participant.This regional course, the largest diving and disability course organized in France, met all expectations. The first being to allow divers with disabilities (PESH) to achieve their diving levels or simply to dive, and the second to advance instructor training so they can take care of people with more severe disabilities.
The success of this course is also due to the quality of the infrastructure provided by the region. « The course was a success thanks to all the logistics that our region has at its disposal« , comments Frédéric Di Meglio, president of the FFESSM PACA committee. For Loris, one of the participants, « the course was a success, the instructors were extremely professional, and the organization was good. Four boats meant not feeling crowded.»
A course appreciated by allParticipants and instructors often attend the course for several consecutive years. Some have even become regulars. » It’s nice to see participants from one year to the next, observing their progress and allowing them to achieve another level to go even further in this sport« , explains Frédéric, « for some, it’s already their fourth course with us « .
Diving offers real therapeutic benefits for people with disabilities. » I have always been a sea lover« , shares Loris, adding « before my accident I loved sailing and practiced spearfishing, now diving allows me to regain sensations and to hike not necessarily on land.«
Julien Barletta
Cover photo © Handisub Sud committee FFESSM