Roule Libre, a pillar of reconstruction for patients
On March 5, the Tézenas family, owner of Domaine de Brégançon, presented a €5,000 check to the Roule Libre association (Hôpital Renée Sabran).
This donation will make it possible to finance the acquisition of handbikes, which are essential equipment for the rehabilitation and adapted physical activity of people with disabilities. This equipment plays a key role in the care pathway of patients in the Médecine Physique et de Réadaptation (MPR) department. FAMILY TIE The Roule Libre association, which has been working for over 20 years to provide access to sport for patients with disabilities, received a check from the hands of Olivier Tézenas.
A gesture that goes beyond simple sponsorship to revive a historical and family tie between the winery and the healthcare institution. "My grandmother is a Sabran and the Hôpital Renée Sabran was created by my ancestor, Herman, Renée's father," Olivier Tézenas recalled with emotion. This winemaker, whose family has run Château de Brégançon for seven generations, cultivates this deep connection with the hospital founded in 1889.
It was therefore natural that he wished to support the Roule Libre association.
The funds come from an original initiative: "During the last jazz aperitif, I decided that half of the proceeds would go to Roule Libre. We owe it to ourselves, we have the heart [...] to keep in touch with the hospital." He also highlighted the role of the Uni foundation, which he introduced to the association, and which provides additional support.
SPRINGBOARD TO A NEW LIFE Created in 2003 by Thibault and Marion, the Roule Libre association is a pillar of reconstruction for many patients. "The idea is to provide sports equipment that will make it possible to move towards competition or leisure. It is the gateway to other perspectives," explained Thibault, co-founder of the association.
Discreet, the association carries out essential actions but often "in the shadows," such as funding outings or participating in the creation of the hospital's therapeutic garden.
"Lasting this long is a great achievement. And this longevity is only possible thanks to funding," he insisted, before thanking the donors and the management of the Hôpital Renée Sabran.
The relevance of this approach was embodied by Anaïs Vincent, French handbike champion, and Florian Jony. The handbike, used in rehabilitation, allowed Thibault to introduce Anaïs to this discipline, which led her to the highest level. Thibault shared his pride in seeing the concrete impact of the association: "The first time Anaïs did handbiking, it was on equipment from the Roule Libre association.
Jérôme, who is the captain of the wheelchair basketball team, the first time he played basketball, it was on equipment from the Roule Libre association. I find it incredible to be a small link in the chain that will allow people to reveal themselves through a sporting activity."
Photos Alain BLANCHOT.