Impulsion by Bordet: the team of athlete patients

News (06/05/2024) 

Impulsion by Bordet: the team of athlete patients

For the third consecutive year, a team of patients from the Jules Bordet Institute is preparing to take part in the mythical Brussels 20 km 

A personalised group training
Supported by the Jules Bordet Association, the team consists of 28 participants, all present or former Bordet patients. Some joined the group for the first time in January while for others this will be their second or third race.  

Spurred on by Bordet physiotherapists, doctors and nurses, the team members train and progress as a group while at the same time befitting from  individual coaching. The participants are very varied, in terms of age, type of cancer and level and type of physical activity already practiced. Some have never run before while others are seasoned runners. During the training sessions, held two or three times a week, the team members are accompanied by other runners, their loved ones and supporters. On the day of the 20 km, the  Impulsion by Bordet group will consist of 70 participants!

Sport as a weapon in fighting illness
This wonderful community shares the same philosophy: physical activity is an important if not essential element of the patient’s difficult pathway. It brings many scientifically proven physical and psychological benefits. Practicing a sport reduces the risk of cancer returning, improves cognitive capacities, provides a sense of well-being and self-esteem and reduces the fatigue relating to the illness and the treatment.  

Five weeks before the big day, the team participated in the ULB’s 10 km. A way of testing themselves over a “short” distance and getting a taste of the race atmosphere. The experience was a success, combining pleasure, personal performance and a lot of emotion! Training has since intensified to make that extra effort and go that extra distance to make a success of this super challenge!