Disability and passion for fishing
Sea helps me is first and foremost a story of fishing enthusiasts. When David and Nicolas met, they immediately talked about their common passion for fishing. Nicolas Pineau is a former gendarme who after an accident became paraplegic, he has always been passionate about fishing and decided to continue to practice his passion despite his handicap. David Bernadou is a former non-commissioned officer in the army, psychologically wounded, and also a great fan of fishing.
In 2021, together with several other motivated people, they decided to found the association Mer m'aide. An association to offer disabled or injured French volunteers support in their revitalization process and a real breath of fresh air.
Adapted fishing courses
One of Mer m'aide's projects is to organize several fishing courses in 2023, supervised by fishing guides, for the benefit of the institution's injured. Firemen, soldiers, gendarmes and policemen, in a physical or psychological handicap situation, will be able to learn the practice of fishing at sea.
Workshops and various activities, related to the marine environment, will also be set up for the well-being of everyone. These courses will be organized in the area of Grau-du-Roi in the Gard department.
In addition to the implementation of training courses, the volunteers of Mer m'aide will develop the implementation of a boarding system for people with reduced mobility. The realization of prototypes dedicated to the practice of fishing, to facilitate the comfort and autonomy of disabled people, is also one of their many objectives.
A committed team
Passionate about fishing and competition, David, Nicolas and Geoffrey (former military victim of an attack) have already proudly worn the colors of the association during the Grand Pavois Fishing 2022 in La Rochelle. The first 100% disabled crew registered for a major competition.
They were able to take advantage of a boat equipped so that disabled people could compete in the same way as other anglers. With a nice place of 12 ème ex aequo, on 29 registered teams, Mer m'aide shows that the handicap should not be a brake to the practice of its passion.
