Work began in spring 2021, earthworks in May, foundations and networks in summer. At the beginning of December, the framework was finally erected on a parcel of the park, Domaine de Volkrange, visible from hundreds of meters. Liliane and Jean-Claude Bathélémy make a project conceived ten years earlier a reality : that of setting up a structure dedicated to equine mediation, adapted to people with disabilities. “All handicaps”, they specify.
The Thionville couple created the association Le Hameau d’Olivier, horses and handicap , in 2010. Since then, both have spared no expense. They are working to raise funds, to refine their idea. They put together files, knocked on doors, refined their arguments, visited other structures that practiced horse mediation.
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An ambitious project
In their garden, in Volkrange, they even opened a small merry-go-round that welcomes families of autistic children but also the APEI (Association of parents of maladjusted children).
Liliane and Jean-Claude are passionate, they own two horses, seven ponies, a donkey that they want to herd in the future structure.
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The project is ambitious: 1,242 m², an 800 m² merry-go-round, a layout designed for disabled adults and children: height of windows, width of doors, toilets, slopes, interior and exterior pathways to the building. Various professionals (psychologist, speech therapist, etc.) will be able to intervene. A sensory, soothing room is also shown on the plans.
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Pierre de Jaumont, sand of Fontainebleau
Under the framework still in the wind, Jean-Claude Barthélémy materializes the spaces with the tip of his finger. The couple imagined them. “We are aware of the quality of the environment offered to us,” he insists. The city of Thionville made the land available to the association. The Grand Est region and several large foundations are financially supporting the project, which is close to 900,000 euros. The couple also invested personally. Jean-Claude and Liliane do not save their energy and multiply actions to find money.
At the start of 2022, the roofing and cladding of the building are planned. Trucks filled with crushed Jaumont stone will cover the ground. Then tons of sand from Fontainebleau will sift the bottom of the merry-go-round. The site is behind schedule with the health crisis. “We do like everyone else, we adapt. That’s the key word, ”the couple resigned.
The increase in the price of certain materials also weighs on the calendar. “It won’t all be finished but we should be up and running in the spring. “
www.hameau-olivier-cheval-handicap.fr
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