Generations of Volunteers: A Family’s Exemplary Commitment to the Associative World

Par Delphine Decourcelle
Published on 14 Nov 23 at 8:00 p.m. See my news Follow Le Républicain Sud-Gironde

“I think it’s hereditary,” confides Philippe Ribes to explain his exemplary associative commitment. This native of Barsac (Gironde) has been an association volunteer since the age of 17! He followed in the footsteps of his father, former president of the Barsac Judo club in particular, for more than 40 years (also involved in pétanque, the Barsac bicycle club, etc.).

And after the father, gold medalist last year, it is the son’s turn to receive this “recognition from the volunteer world”, with a bronze medal and a diploma, presented by Danielle Blanchet, delegate of the departmental committee of youth and sports and community involvement.

With family

“It’s so collective! In this spirit of volunteering, I involved my wife, who is secretary of the US Fargues Toulenne and also director of Judo de Toulenne, and even my in-laws at the time of the creation of the Auros judo club. » says Philippe.

At 54 years old, this bank employee was involved: from 1986 to 88 at the Union des associations de Barsac, from 1988 to 2008 at the Aurossais Judo club, in 1988 at the Barsacais Judo club, from June 2020 at the Judo club Toulennais and from 2015 to 2023 at US Fargues Toulenne (football). “Philippe Ribes is an exemplary volunteer, very committed, always available, versatile and particularly attentive to the sporting development of young people” confirms Christian Latestère, his judo teacher for almost 50 years and friend.

“I had a sporting career until the age of 22/23. I’ve been practicing judo since the age of 4, cycling too – it hasn’t been a success – and football, my favorite sport, but I’m very bad at it. Fortunately my son, who plays in U15, doesn’t take after me,” Philippe bursts out laughing.

Black belt

And “so many memories accumulated” he admits. “In judo, for example, the victory in the Aquitaine colored belt championship and then, especially obtaining my black belt at 17, a great pride for me! »

“Unforgettable” moments for those who “really put in the work every day,” he insists. And he transmitted the virus to his two children, his daughter who practices dancing and horse riding; and his son football and judo.

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For him, the associative world is also about exchanges between generations: “Retirees, active people and young people rub shoulders and share the joys and difficulties of life, personal or sporting”.

André Laporte, Michel Lagu, Robert Roncoli mayor of Fargues, Christian Latestère, Philippe Ribes and Danielle Blanchet. ©Document sent to Actu.fr

Moreover, Philippe Ribes also requested medals for: André Laporte, involved in the Fargues football club for 18 years, player and volunteer at pétanque (Preignac) since he was 14; Michel Lagu, president of US Fargues Toulenne for 22 years, member of the Gironde district management committee and rugby enthusiast; Christian Latestère, one of the rare teachers to have reached a high level of judo in South Gironde (6th dan black belt since 2010), with a longevity record as a teacher in Toulenne since 1976, then in Barsac and Auros! For Philippe, “golden friends”!

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2023-11-15 18:08:22
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