The Sophia Games offer immersive events to "raise awareness among the working population" about disability (and it's a first)

It was a first this year. The Sophia Games, a must-see sporting event at the Sophia Antipolis technology park, welcome company employees and students from the Sophia Antipolis technology park every year for over a month. For their 31st edition, from May 13 to June 26 (this Thursday), they opened their doors to two associations: the AFM Téléthon and HandiNovia. In collaboration with the Jeune Chambre Économique (JCE) of Antibes Sophia-Antipolis (an association of young people aged 18 to 40 who lead local civic projects, train their members in project management, and act on concrete issues), the HandiNovia association offered participants immersive experiences around invisible and cognitive disabilities. "The idea was to raise awareness among Sophia's employees about the difficulties encountered by people with disabilities that we don't always suspect, such as cognitive disorders or autism ," explains Catherine Marchand, co-president of the association.

A 3 in 1 structure

With Laurence Lévi, they are both behind a "unique project in France: to create a living space in Valbonne that combines inclusive housing, a center for adapted activities, and job opportunities. It will be a space where young people with disabilities can flourish, train, and work, particularly in a small restaurant structure open to the public. We want to bring together in one place everything that is currently scattered," they explain. As each mother of a child with a disability, the idea came to them naturally. "The partnership with HandiNovia was born out of a true human understanding ," emphasizes Ben Ndui, director of the commission at the JCE. "I myself did not appreciate the reality of what invisible disability was before getting involved in this project."

Two immersive activities

On June 19, during the final round of the Sophia'dventure Games, HandiNovia offered two activities to the various teams. The first: an adapted tandem that allowed participants to put themselves in the shoes of people with mobility or balance difficulties. Loaned for the occasion by the TourneSolaire association, it is piloted at the back by an able-bodied person, while the person with a disability, seated in the front, can pedal without having to manage the steering or the brakes. Joséphine Chateli, 26, tested it by occupying the front seat.

"Being in front, I really got the feel of the bike: the speed, the turns... It's a great solution for those who can't pedal alone, because it allows you to continue to feel all the sensations of a classic bike while sharing the experience with someone you trust," she says.

Another workshop offered: a passing game with glasses simulating various visual disorders (blurred vision, restricted field of vision, or partial vision loss). A fun, yet revealing activity. "We thought it would be simple, but it was extremely restrictive," says Ahmed Rabat, 39, after trying the experience. "It's crazy how much a mundane task can be a hindrance." For Émilie Bazire, who is part of the JCE, the message behind this activity is clear: "The goal is to make people understand that what we do naturally becomes immediately more complex with a disability, especially when others can't see it. "

An approach fully supported by Sophia Club Entreprises, organizer of the Sophia Games. "This year was the first time we've integrated disability so much," explains Quentin Vitry, event manager. "We want participants to come to have fun, but also to have a useful dimension that can be used within businesses." And the feedback is positive: "It's really interesting to have this type of booth at the Games," says Pauline Anne, a spectator of the activities. "It complements the other booths, which are on other themes."

With over 5,000 participants since May 13th, and some fifty events on offer, the event confirms its unifying dimension. Moreover, the presence of associations for this edition marks a turning point, that of a broader openness to inclusion.