Being fed up with pigeon fanciers being described as a bunch of old men, I wanted to pass my love for pigeons on to the next generation. I started introducing pigeons at school, which is, for most of them, something unknown and mysterious. They all know cats and dogs, but they know only little or nothing about pigeons and the amazing distances they fly over unfamiliar terrain to find home sweet home. My pupils were extremely motivated and soon I thought of building a loft at school. Generous pigeon fanciers supplied the pigeons and a lot of sponsors  donated all that was needed: loft, equipment, clocks… The Ichtor project saw light. The children got to know the realities of breeding and training champions.

Now, two years later, there are already two lofts at school. The little pigeon fanciers are even more motivated and are eager, even during their holidays, to take care of their feathered friends. Even their parents got to appreciate the sport and are happy to accompany their children to the basketing. The children have won quite a few prices, but the most important thing is the joy and the happiness they experience when their pigeon safely returns home. Some even have sleepless nights when the pigeons are still in France, waiting to be released, instead of being pampered in their own loft.

And pampered they are! The pigeons are really being spoilt by the kids. Every day, another group of children feeds them and cleans the loft. I am surprised to see how extremely tame the pigeons are and how they are always looking forward to see their little friends again. It’s not that easy to create a special animal-human bond, but in this case it went extremely well. The children learn what it is to take care of their animals, how to work in a team and how wonderful the sport of pigeon racing can be. That really is a dream come true for me!

Please enjoy some pictures of my little pigeon fanciers. They really enjoy all the aspects of our sport: basketing, waiting, the first arrivals…