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"All in the same boat", the "Let's Go" project that combines sporting challenge and inclusive rowing

Barbara Giardina is Onet's events communications manager, juggling event organization and communications for the Group on a daily basis.

But behind the professional hat lies a passion: rowing.

  • - Onet

Thanks to "Let's Go", the Onet Sports Scholarship, she finally realizes a dream

Barbara Giardina: "All in the same boat",

Taking part in regional and national competitions under the colors of Onet and the L'Avi Sourire association is a sporting challenge, but also a human adventure that has changed his vision of disability and strengthened his desire for a more inclusive society.

The Onet Sports Scholarship: a springboard for employees

Launched by Onet, the "Let's Go" Sports Scholarship aims to support employees in their sports projects, whether linked to performance, inclusion or social awareness. By providing financial support for initiatives like Barbara's, Onet encourages its teams to dare, surpass themselves and share common values.

I had to make room in my diary, juggling work, training and travel. But I have no regrets: it's a unique experience that has taken me out of my comfort zone.

Barbara Giardina

An experience that breaks down barriers and transforms body and mind

When Barbara joined L'Avi Sourire, she didn't know anyone with a disability in her immediate circle. She admits that, at first, she was afraid of doing the wrong thing. How could she support her teammates properly? How not to get them into trouble?

But these fears soon disappeared.

Thanks to this project, all the barriers have come down. Today, I only see my teammates, not the handicap. They're rowers, athletes, incredibly motivated people.

She confides that this experience completely changed her outlook:

When I see them training, giving everything they've got on the water, I have no excuses. It makes me want to push myself even harder.

Beyond this awareness, Barbara has also noticed a physical and mental transformation in the space of a year. Already an athlete, she can now feel the effects of regular training.

I'm in much better shape, and that's important too. Rowing gives me balance and a physical and mental well-being that I want to share with others.

L'Avi Sourire: a school of life

The L'Avi Sourire association is much more than a rowing club. It's a school for inclusion and integration through sport, where rowing and other nautical activities enable people with mental, motor, sensory or psychological disabilities to blossom, gain autonomy and surpass themselves.

It was within this structure that Barbara discovered another facet of sport: that of sharing and mutual support, above and beyond individual performance.

 

Raising awareness throughout Onet

The adventure with L'Avi Sourire doesn't stop with competitions or our employee's project. During the European Week for the Employment of People with Disabilities (SEEPH), the association came to Onet Group's head office to introduce employees to the ergometer.

Theergometer, also known as a rowing machine, is a training device that simulates the motion of rowing. It is widely used by athletes to improve endurance, strength and technique, but also as a rehabilitation tool. In fact, this equipment can be adapted to different profiles and levels of practice, including for people with disabilities, offering accessible and personalized training.

I was delighted that the Inclusion team, who already work with L'Avi Sourire, called on them again. It was a great opportunity to share this discipline with my colleagues and show that sport is accessible to all.

An opportunity for exchange and awareness-raising, in line with the Group's policy of inclusion, supported by teams committed to these issues on a daily basis.

 

A prize list in the making

Since the start of this adventure, Barbara has already recorded performances in key competitions:

  • Challenge Handi Aviron PACA "La Course au Piquet" (October 19, 2024)
    ➜ 1st place in double Sport Santé category
 
  • Regional indoor rowing championships in Manosque (December 8, 2024)
    ➜ 15ᵉ place in 500m and 7ᵉ place in 2000m (Seniors Women category)
    ➜ 3ᵉ place in Sport Santé team with Dominique, Kais and Audrey  
  • New Year's Cup (January 19, 2025)
    ➜ 1st place in coxed four (mixed Handi/Health category boat)
 
  • French Indoor Rowing Championships - Stade Charléty (January 31 - February 2, 2025) ➜ 13ᵉ place over 500m (Seniors +23 years - Solidarity rowers)
    ➜ 9ᵉ place in mixed Handi/Health team

 

In detail, three days of competition brought together athletes of all backgrounds and levels for an intense experience.

Events such as the sprint and ergometer relay give spectators a real adrenalin rush.

96 competitors per race battle it out in an electrifying atmosphere, with the title of national champion in their sights.

A commitment that has only just begun

Barbara is already looking ahead to the French Sea Rowing and Beach Rowing Championships, which will round off this year of support for inclusion with Onet.

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