Play in Savannah
Behind the Scenes of Savann’Adventure!
20 May 2024
On Saturday, May 25, 2024, the inaugural Savann’Adventure unfolds — an event uniting adults and youths, aged 13 and up, for a thrilling race in the heart of nature. As D-day approaches, we take you behind the scenes of the event, meeting those who are building the obstacles…
Savann’Adventure aims to become an annual sporting and fun-gathering event for families and groups of friends. Featuring a circuit in the heart of nature starting from La Place de Gros Bois, the 6-kilometer race takes its participants through sugarcane fields. But what sets it apart are the fifteen obstacles scattered along the route, requiring participants to use their skills to overcome them!
As more than 2,000 participants have registered for this sports day, Savannah’s teams are in full swing preparing the grounds for this memorable event! Among the operations, a significant undertaking: the construction of the obstacles. To successfully carry out their construction, Savannah has chosen to prioritize the local craftsmanship of artisans from the region – under the supervision of qualified engineers from KIMS Consulting Engineers, for the most technical obstacles of the course.
Local artisans at work for Savann’Adventure!
Among the artisans who participated in preparing the obstacles for the race is Ashick Houdjee. This 42-year-old carpenter, who lives in the neighbouring village of L’Escalier, is well known in Savannah. And for good reason: he has worked on the construction of several houses, as well as on the children’s playground at La Place de Gros Bois. It was therefore natural for this familiar face to be involved in this unique project! Having started working at the age of 11, Ashick trained under his neighbour, Ramesh. If he inspired him to become a carpenter in turn, it’s because he took him under his wing, teaching him the basics of the trade and taking him on several projects to train him.
With his team of 4 carpenters, all residents of L’Escalier, he masterfully led the ambitious project of building the 15 obstacles of Savann’Adventure. “The team is great, we talk, we laugh, there’s a good atmosphere,” he says from the construction site. If the construction is progressing so well, it’s thanks to the trust that reigns among the members of this great team. Accustomed to working together, they understand each other without needing words. Ashick started working on this project over two months ago, in a workshop provided by Savannah. With his team, they began installing the obstacles across the race course in early May. The fruit of their labor will soon be rewarded when the 2,000 participants in the race launch themselves onto them with joy and good humor!
Get a sneak peek at some of the obstacles!
Before the race kicks off, the KIMS Consulting Engineers team gives us an exclusive preview of three obstacles awaiting participants on the course.
Belna
The structure is entirely made of pine poles connected to each other and secured in the ground to maintain stability. Tyres will be fastened to all overhead wooden poles, with enough room for up to 20 runners.
Monte-Desann
This obstacle is a triangular structure for climbing, with all connections concealed to avoid injuries. With its steps and ropes to aid climbing, it promises plenty of laughter and adrenaline for every team! 15 runners at a time can use this obstacle.
De bar savon
An obstacle that invites you to fill up on sensations! The 5.3-meter-tall slide will start on top of containers that are secured together with tension cables to avoid overturning. Once up there, before descending, don’t forget to take in the panoramic view around you!
What about you, are you participating in this first edition of Savann’Adventure?