Nina Pavan 6:13 a.m., July 29, 2022

In Marseille, one in two children cannot swim, in particular due to a lack of swimming pools.

To remedy this sad reality, and fight against the risk of drowning, the association Marseille Capitale de la mer organizes discovery weeks, with swimming lessons in the morning and fun workshops in the afternoon. 

REPORTAGE

They do their first strokes in the Olympic basin of the circle of swimmers in Marseille.

150 children benefit from the "one step towards the sea" operation launched by the association Marseille Capitale de la mer. "I was a little afraid of drowning, but in one week, I managed to swim" , says Massi, 9 years old. 

"A step towards the sea", these are swimming lessons in the morning, and activities in the afternoon such as a visit to the replica of the Grotte Cosquer or fun walks in the Calanques.

"We can see that they want to, they swim a few meters at the cost of incredible effort, but they enjoy it!", explains Patrick Fancello, co-founder of Marseille Capitale de la mer. 

A swimming pool that has seen the birth of the greatest

The desire is not lacking, but in Marseille the swimming pools yes.

For Paul Leccia, president of the circle of swimmers, this pool plays its role as an Olympic pool by opening its doors to all young people from Marseille who want and need to learn to swim.

The Cercle des Nageurs, founded in 1921, has trained some of the greatest swimmers, including Florent Manaudou, and today the 100-meter butterfly world champion, Marie Vattel.

She was the one who presented the children with their swimming diploma this Friday, after training alongside them. 

>>

Find all the editorial newspapers of Europe 1 in replay and podcast here

Marseille labeled Impact 2024 initiative, with a view to the Olympic Games

The "A step towards the sea" operation - to make the sea and the coast more accessible to young people from Marseille - has been labeled the Impact 2024 initiative for the Olympic Games, because Marseille will host the sailing events in its harbour.

The Olympic Games Committee thus financially supports projects that use sport as a tool for social impact.