Boxing transformed the lives of four autistic children in Quebec. Thanks to group training, these young people aged 9 to 11 have gained self-confidence. Now they can say they play a sport like everyone else and are part of the gear “.
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Every Saturday morning, Ryan Beaudoin, Alexis Bonneau, Antoine Fiset and Adam Dubé have ants in their legs. They prepare themselves and, above all, do not want to be late for their class at the Val-Bélair Boxing Academy premises.
For years they have watched their classmates play hockey, soccer and many other sports.
They are unable to join these teams due to lack of coordination and social adjustment difficulties, but now it’s their turn to surpass themselves and dream.
“He’s proud of himself, it’s said that his idol is Rocky,” Adam’s parents, Bryan Dubé and Marie-Christine Lavoie, start.
The nicest smile
At 10 years old, Adam is the one who paved the way. Last March, her mother “dared” to ask the academy’s owner, Bruno Essiambre, if her autistic child could join the group during spring break.
Louis Deschenes
Adam Dubé with his trainer Bruno Essiambre in the arena of the Val-Bélair Boxing Academy.
The coach consulted relatives who are health professionals before accepting and it was the start of a great experience.
“I took him under my wing […] And that’s where the parents saw a big difference. A lot less video games and he’ll be playing outside. He’s a lot more active,” says the nicknamed “Coach B.”
The young boxer quickly rose through the ranks. He even fought his first fight in October in the “fun boxing” category, which allows youngsters to learn in a safe environment without being hit to the head.
“When the referee raised his arm, I’ve never seen my child with such a beautiful smile,” explains Adam’s mother, eyes shining.
spend Halloween
The parents we met are full of praise for the academy and the coaches. Everyone agrees: Your children now have better self-esteem, which is reflected in their daily lives.
10-year-old Ryan, who also suffers from a degenerative disease that weakens his muscles, was able to spend Halloween without a wheelchair for the first time.
Louis Deschenes
Ryan Beaudoin practices his jab in the glove of his buddy Antoine Fiset in front of trainer Megan Gregory at the Val-Bélair Boxing Academy.
“It’s a great win […] He walked around the houses for an hour, fifteen minutes and was not tired, ”says mother Véronique Arsenault.
In addition, Ryan now walks to school without stopping along the way and participates in 80% of physical education activities. Previously, he had to forego half of the activities suggested by his teacher.
For her part, Laurence Diotte was keen to persuade her son Antoine to move. He wanted to play ball hockey like his sister, but that was not possible due to lack of coordination of movements.
Louis Deschenes
9-year-old Alexis learns to keep his hands up with his trainer Kathy Arsenault in training on Saturday.
“It’s best for him to have his place and not always be confronted with his otherness,” she says.
The same speech for Geneviève Bédard, since Alexis, 9 years old, now practices her sport like her brothers.
“It’s not always easy to have friends here and here [à l’Académie] they can make friends. »