Parkour, a discipline created by Frenchman David Belle in 1990, has gained popularity worldwide, and Madagascar is no exception. The sport, also known as "art du déplacement," involves navigating urban obstacles with speed and agility, using movements such as jumping, vaulting, and climbing. In Antananarivo, a group of 32 young men and women, aged 8 to 24, have formed an association called Traceur Gasy, which was established in 2017.
The Traceur Gasy members are passionate about parkour, with some having over nine years of experience in the sport. The group includes professional athletes who participate in shows, stunts, films, and commercials. According to Faliniaina Antonio, a founding member and leader of the association, the group's mission is to promote parkour and freerunning, a related discipline that emphasizes style and fluid movement.
The Traceur Gasy train in gardens, parks, and streets, practicing basic parkour moves such as the "saut de fond" (long jump) and "saut du paresseux" (lazy jump). More advanced members attempt complex stunts like the "backflip" and "kong vault" (cat leap). Despite the risks involved, the group emphasizes safety and respect for the sport.
In addition to training, the Traceur Gasy offer workshops in schools and participate in cultural events and film productions. According to Antonio, parkour fosters friendship and camaraderie among its practitioners, promoting a sense of self-overcoming and creativity. The sport is open to both boys and girls, and the group encourages women to join.
The Traceur Gasy aim to establish a parkour and freerunning facility in Antananarivo, which will serve as a hub for training and community building. They also plan to tour the island, offering workshops in collaboration with French Alliances. With their sights set on international competitions, the group is poised to take parkour in Madagascar to new heights.
As the popularity of parkour grows in Madagascar, the Traceur Gasy are at the forefront of the movement. With their dedication and passion, they are inspiring a new generation of young athletes to take up the sport. By promoting parkour and freerunning, the group hopes to create a community that values self-expression, creativity, and physical activity.
The Traceur Gasy's enthusiasm for parkour is contagious, and their performances have captivated audiences in Antananarivo. As the sport continues to evolve in Madagascar, the group's commitment to safety, community, and creativity will be essential in shaping its future. With their sights set on the future, the Traceur Gasy are ready to take on new challenges and push the limits of parkour in Madagascar.
Key points
- The Traceur Gasy, a group of young parkour enthusiasts in Madagascar, are promoting the sport and freerunning through training, workshops, and community building.
