Promoting social inclusion in priority neighborhoods through traditional canoeing

closed

The “Challenge, ocean travel, history and integration” program aims to transcend the conventions associated with the traditional practice of “va'a” canoeing, which is often perceived as being for men, expensive and elitist. Through its inclusive approach, the association is committed to receiving women, young people from priority neighborhoods, and people who are overweight. Its objective is to offer a unique experience to disadvantaged young people who are faced with insecurity, unemployment and addictions. For between three and six months, the participants benefit from a total immersion in the cultural and sporting world of the “va'a”, with individual monitoring and a customized physical training program. Following this preparation, the objective is to train a full team for tandem canoeing, with nine young people supervised by three adults for an inter-island crossing. The young people’s progress will be followed by a camera, which will result in the production of a short documentary conveying a message of hope, surpassing oneself, and transmitting French Polynesia’s sporting and cultural values to a wider audience.