News Update - Leisure from knowitall.ch

: Published: 17 August 2023

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Read down to win tickets!

This smash hit movie musical, with Zac Efron and others who came to be Hollywood stars, continues to set the beat on television and stages around the world. GAOS Geneva Musical Theatre brings a talented cast of 27 young singers and dancers to treat your family to lively, upbeat songs with an action-packed storyline.

To jog your memory, Troy, Gabriella and the students of East High deal with issues of first love, friends and family while balancing their classes and extracurricular activities.

“This is our first youth production since 2017 when we put on Grease,” notes GAOS Chairman Jo Beveridge. “We’ve tapped a whole new pool of amazing talent, on-stage and back-stage. We know that several are aiming for careers in professional theatre, and we are pleased to help them along their way.”

: Published: 13 August 2023

By Fergus Dullaghan

Judo and karate build self-confidence, fitness and mindfulness. One of the other parents at the Geneva school drop-off looked sideways at me, “So you’ve decided to start teaching martial arts to this bunch?” he asked. “On top of your job?”. He patted my shoulder in mock sympathy. I grinned. “I’m just continuing the family tradition,” I said.

And that’s true. I started judo when I was just four years old. Of the three coaches in my club, two were my parents, they had met on the judo mat at university – with my mum having represented Ireland. By aged 12, I was training with them and my brother in Karate as well. I just loved it. The physicality, the techniques, the introduction to Japanese culture and language, but most of all the fun.

Fun is something that is often overlooked by coaches in many walks of life. I was lucky that when I was taught, it was understood that kids' activities should be fun first. If kids are having fun and enjoy coming, then skill development and performance will naturally follow after. Too many people teach as if the opposite were true. And it really isn’t.

: Published: 24 July 2023

pre giroud outside

Have you heard the myths about the secret underground Swiss military tunnels? Well, they’re true! Come and visit this little farmhouse and get taken underground. Carved out of rock, this fort, was built between 1937-1941. Their mission was to protect the passage of the Col de Jougne from any foreign army and support the defense of the French-Swiss border during World War II.

In 1945, the artillery fort, which was carved into the rock, housed 200 men. It consists of six blockhouses, connected by a network of galleries with stocks of ammunition, a machine room and barracks.

The life of the fort has been reconstructed using dummies. The temperature is a constant 8°C so make sure to dress appropriately.

Museum and exhibition

An exhibition which recounts real events through the customs of Vallorbe 39-45 (photos, plans, mannequins, banners, weapons)
The refectory has been converted into a museum with various weapons and infantry items provided to the men who were responsible for the external defense of the fortress (diorama)
The dormitories of the non-commissioned officers (NCOs) and kitchen helpers are still totally equipped, with arms, uniforms and all accessories
Rooms for officers and senior NCOs
The officers mess, decorated with wood by the soldiers of the garrison
The telephone center, connecting the fort with all the troops in the sector
The company office
The sanitary block (operating room, dentist, infirmary) where a physician-surgeon officer is ready for any intervention
Sound and light reconstruction of shooting parts (gun and submachine gun)

Buffet campagnard au Fort de Pré-Giroud
Sunday, 13 August 2023 from 10h-16h: Not only will a visit be a great idea for you this summer but take advantage of their buffet lunch on Sunday, as well. In addition to the food, there will be cannons, cor des Alpes and entertainment.

Brisolée au Fort de Pré-Giroud
October 2023 date to be announced: Visit of the fort with brisolée (roasted chestnuts) accompanied by a raclette and sausages of the region. Cannons will be fired and other entertainment will be organized. Prior reservations required.

Note: Picnic spots and a barbecue (for grilling) are provided in front and at the entrance of the fort. At the kiosk: hot and cold beverages, wine, confectionery, postcards, brochures, pennants, glasses, military equipment (and more).

: Published: 21 May 2023

modelboat

This year, Festiléman Evian returns with new creations: 5 thematic universes, 3 stages and many new partners and exhibitors. A festive, joyful and poetic artistic stage.

You will discover, during a weekend, all the richness of the life of Lake Geneva thanks to a multitude of local actors who will offer you numerous animations including:

exhibitions
gastronomic stands
boat models
concerts
initiations

Model boats
Evian model boats: models on a large basin Saturday, 27 May 2023 (day and night) and Sunday, 28 May 2023. Piloting school for children with diplomas, static models and books on the art of model shipbuilding. Takes place at the Promenade du port de plaisance.

: Published: 15 May 2023

Feu O Lac

The festival Feu Ô Lac takes place along the lakeside in Geneva. Put together by the Department of Security and Sports of the City of Geneva and under the responsibility of the Administrative Councillor and Mayor of Geneva, Marie Barbey-Chappuis.

On the program: animations and entertainment on the quays or on the water, concerts, food and drink zones; a unique drone show of 23 minutes will take place at 22h featuring an astounding 1,350 drones near the jet d'eau (photo above). All the activities and concerts will be free. Click here for a short video of the performance.

On the quays, several festive events are scheduled. Like the tennis village (quai Gustave-Ador), set up in partnership with the Gonet Open. During the four days, two mini tennis courts, a tent for autographs and a speed camera for services will be available to the public.

Near the lake stage, a giant Jass tournament will be held on Sunday, 21 May 2023 between 11h-16h.