Report by Ms. Lorena Schlicht, Mayors for Peace France (AFCDRP)
The City of Varennes-Vauzelles hosted the second edition of its “Vernay Sport” event on June 7, 8 and 9, 2025, at the Château du Vernay in Challuy (58). Delegations of children aged 10 to 14 came from Grigny (91), Corbeil-Essonnes (91), and Varennes-Vauzelles (58) to enjoy a weekend focused on sports and a culture of peace, with plenty of fun and friendly moments.
Three teams, each made up of 10 young participants from the different member cities of Mayors for Peace France, were mixed together to encourage new connections and friendships. They then took part in a series of innovative sports workshops, guided by Peace and Sport and local facilitators. Activities included special training sessions and a symbolic “match of silence”, followed by the practice of various disciplines such as handball, basketball, football, rugby, laser run, archery, tennis, as well as roller skating and blind football (ceci-foot) introductions.
Initially, boys and girls competed separately, before forming mixed teams for the second day of the challenge.
Participants also took part in peace education activities, including a screening of the documentary “La Flamme de la Paix” by Peace and Sport, and video messages from two inspiring athletes: Ryadh Sallem, para-athlete and member of the French wheelchair rugby team, and Thomas Voeckler, coach of the French national road cycling team and former cycling champion.
The weekend ended with the traditional farewell party and an award ceremony attended by the municipal team and the Mayor of Varennes-Vauzelles. All participants left with big smiles and are already looking forward to the next edition!
Photos: courtesy of Mayors for Peace France