On a mild September morning, the Dune of Pilat vibrated with a unique energy, driven by the determination of women, men, and families gathered around the second edition of the Handi Dune event. This event allowed people with disabilities to experience the ascent of the Dune as a powerful moment of sharing, discovery, and self-improvement.
The smiles, the encouragement from the families, the kindness of the people present
Organized in partnership with the Joint Syndicate managing the site, them associations M in Red, Sea Surf Club, the Pyla firefighters' association, partner associations… HandiDune was much more than a physical challenge: a demonstration of “living better together”, a moment of sharing, proof that the inaccessible can become accessible, thanks to solidarity.
A LOOK BACK AT THE HANDIDUNE MORNING
Photo credit: @agencemareemontante
The story of a united ascent
On Saturday, September 27, the meeting was set for 9:30 a.m., at the foot of the Dune. Everyone at their post: firefighters mobilized, families gathered, mediator ready to share the secrets of the Grand Site landscape. The participants, seated in tiralos – chairs specifically adapted to the sand – experienced a supervised and safe climb, carried by the collective strength and generosity of supportive arms.
On the ridge, the emotion was palpable, shared by all : those who were climbing the Dune for the first time, those who were accompanying a loved one, those who, through their testimony or their perspective, became committed witnesses to the importance of universal accessibility. Families, volunteers, firefighters, all generations combined, came together for a friendly moment.
The associations "Vivre mon rêve", "Rugby Handi Sud Bassin" and the national association of HandiSurf were also present for this event. People with other types of disabilities (autism, sensory disabilities, etc.) were accompanied to Crête de Dune with their families.
Inclusion, an essential value of the Grand Site
Today, the renovation work on the reception area is complete. Particular attention has been paid to ensuring that visitors with disabilities can move around easily within this accessible space and access all the services available to the public.
This attention resulted in obtaining the “Tourism and Disability” label in March 2024. This certification awarded for the 4 types of disability is a recognition of the Joint Syndicate's commitment to offering a visitor experience to all audiences and demonstrates the quality of the facilities and services.
The Handi Dune event does not mark an end in itself: the Joint Syndicate intends to perpetuate this moment of sharing and solidarity for years to come. Driven by a spirit of openness and inclusion, the team aspires to offer new editions, thus allowing other people with disabilities to live the unique experience of climbing the Dune.
