The association Bek la barre has joined forces withOffice des Sports et du Temps Libre (OSTL) of the city of Saint-Pierre to set up an innovative project for social reintegration through sport at the Cayenne prison in Saint-Pierre. Since May, weekly sessions of street workout are offered and provided by Bryan HIREL, manager and socio-sports coach to prisoners in one block. This physical activity enables them not only to improve their physical condition, but also to strengthen their discipline and prepare for successful reintegration into society.
Le street workout is a promising tool for the social reintegration of inmates at Saint-Pierre prison. This accessible and effective activity helps not only to improve their physical condition, but also to develop the psychosocial skills essential to their rehabilitation and preparation for life after prison.
The project shows how sport can be a real lever for promoting social integration. reintegration and offer prisoners a real chance to rebuild their future.
Strengthening social ties
Unlike competitive sporting activities, street workout practised in a group encourages solidarity and thesupport. By training together, the inmates forge bonds and cultivate a spirit of togetherness. camaraderie. This helps to reduce tensions and promote good relations. positive relationsThese are essential in an environment often marked by violence and conflict.
Improving physical condition
Street workout enables prisoners to develop their force, endurance, flexibility and coordination. In an environment where physical activity options are limited, it offers an accessible and effective solution for improving fitness. Being in good physical condition also helps to manage stress and anxiety related to life in prison.
Reduced stress and anxiety
Physical exercise stimulates the production ofendorphinsreducing cortisol (the stress hormone) and helping prisoners to manage negative emotions more effectively. The regular practice of street workout is therefore a positive distraction which improves self-esteem and emotional stability of prisoners, while reducing the risk of violent or destructive behaviour.
Developing discipline and autonomy
Street workout requires rigour and perseverance. Each training session is an opportunity for the inmates to set their own objectives and progress independently. This strengthens their self-disciplineThis is a key skill for reintegration. Regular practice thus becomes a lever for developing healthy habits and preparing their return to society.
"After 6 months of practising street workout, I feel a clear improvement in my physical health, but it has also enabled me to find fellow inmates who share the same values as me: discipline, tolerance towards others and the desire to surpass oneself. No one is above the other, but we move forward together to get out of the confines of prison and project ourselves into the future when we leave.
Guy, who has been taking part in the workshops since they were launched
Preparing for social reintegration
One of the main aims of the project is to prepare prisoners for their release from prison. Street workout enables them to reinforce skills that are essential for their reintegration, such as stress managementthe perseverance and theself-discipline. It also gives them the means to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle after their release.
Psychological and emotional benefits
As well as the physical benefits, street workout also offers an opportunity to sense of control and personal satisfaction. By achieving their objectives, inmates feel a sense of security. achievement which improves their self-esteem and helps them deal with frustration more effectively. This dynamic helps prevent aggressive behaviour and encourages more positive behaviour.
