The judo club in Livarot-Pays-d’Auge faces mounting financial pressures from fuel costs and facility challenges driven by summer heat, even as membership climbs to 89 registered participants. During the association’s general meeting at the Rattez dojo, club leaders detailed the hurdles of maintaining operations in a venue where large glass windows cause temperatures to spike.
Membership Growth at Dojo Rattez Highlights Cleaning Needs
Local participation at the historic Rattez dojo continues to draw crowds from multiple disciplines, including aikido, taïso, general gymnastics, and recently introduced karate classes alongside local schoolchildren. Association president Jacques Leroyer pointed to the venue’s heavy use during the annual general meeting, noting that increased foot traffic demands more frequent cleaning routines for both the changing rooms and tatami mats. To support the expanding roster, the club recently received a shipment of 13 new training mats, with an additional 15 mats expected to arrive soon.
Summer Heat Disrupts Training Schedules
High temperatures inside the training hall frequently disrupted the schedule over the past season. Géraldine Leroyer noted during the assembly that training sessions had to be cut short because the facility’s extensive glass windows and structural design trap heat, making physical practice unfeasible during peak warm spells. Despite the temperature-related interruptions, club leadership highlighted strong competitive results among younger divisions, including regular podium finishes for 8-to-9-year-old poussin competitors Sacha Lechevalier and Lou Philippin.
Rising Fuel Expenses Limit Tournament Travel
Financial strain from climbing fuel prices has altered how athletes attend events outside Normandy. Treasurer Florence Leroyer reported that members traveled for competitions to cities including Toulouse, Laon, and Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, but rising transit costs have forced families to pull back. While organizers promote carpooling to mitigate expenses, fewer children now make the trip to away tournaments. The association reported 17,860 euros in revenue against 15,515 euros in expenditures, supplemented by a 4,500-euro municipal grant and a 619-euro departmental subsidy. Annual club licenses range from 130 to 145 euros depending on the age group.
Competitive Milestones and Upcoming Para-Judo Action
Adaptable judo competitors provided key highlights for the club over the previous year. Hugo Rua captured the adapted judo vice-champion title in France, while Marylou Gent placed fifth in the individual French championships and secured a third-place finish at an international tournament in the Netherlands. Looking ahead, Hugo Rua is scheduled to compete on December 4 and 5 at the Get Together championship, a major para-judo event hosted in Strasbourg.
Expanded Healthcare Partnerships and Governance
Beyond traditional competition, the club expanded its community reach by signing a partnership with the hospital in Lisieux aimed at developing health-focused sport initiatives. The organization also maintains affiliation with the French Adapted Sport Federation. Administrative duties are managed by an executive board led by president Jacques Leroyer, vice-president Géraldine Leroyer, treasurer Florence Leroyer with assistant Bruno Baggenstos, and secretary Laura Baggenstos alongside assistant Lydie Daudeville.
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