Joint Call From EuroSIMA & OSV To Relax Restrictions On French Outdoor Activities
The Presidents of Outdoor Sports Valley & EuroSIMA, Patrick Giraudon and Jean Louis Rodrigues respectively, have cowritten a letter to the French Minister of Sports requesting for a relaxation to the ‘1km – 1hr’ rule imposed on outdoor activities as a result of lockdown.
Press Release:
ADVOCACY FOR THE PRACTICE OF OUTDOOR SPORTS AND ACCESS TO OUR PLAYGROUNDS
Patrick Giraudon and Jean Louis Rodrigues, respective presidents of the professional associations Outdoor Sports Valley and EuroSIMA, have written a letter to the Minister of Sports calling for the liberalisation of outdoor sports during periods of lockdown. This letter was relayed by the management of the Union Sport et Cycles.
If the second lockdown has an impact on the commercial activity of the outdoor and surfing sectors and therefore threatens companies in these sectors, it also limits access to nature… their playground. This cessation of practice is not only harmful for the economy but also detrimental to the health of all French people who feel the need to move in nature to cope through this difficult period and thus find, in the practice of outdoor sports, a physical and psychological balance.
OSV and EuroSIMA are alerting the Ministry of Sports to the harmful effect of the “1 km – 1 hour” rule and are calling for it to be relaxed to allow French people to practice outdoor sports more freely. Running, walking, sailing, riding, cycling… when done reasonably, are part of the way of life that OSV and EuroSIMA associations defend. The practice of outdoor and action sports is meaningful and symbolises the values of fulfilment and freedom, values held dear to French people.
These are difficult times and sport industry professionals are fully aware of this. This letter to the Minister goes beyond a sectoral claim. It is an advocacy written as part of a responsible approach to raise government awareness of the positive role of sport, and more specifically, outdoor activities in our society. A contribution towards a better experience this lockdown and to anticipate its end in the hope of better days when we will fully enjoy our playgrounds again.
