Jean-Michel Rey has been on hunger strike for 13 days.
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Philippe LOPEZ / AFP
The manager of a dojo located in Bruges near Bordeaux began a hunger strike thirteen days ago.
Without state aid since the closure of his hall for almost a year, he warns about the financial situation of private sports associations.
A kitty was launched by the members and made it possible to collect a few thousand euros.
He has been on hunger strike for thirteen days.
The manager of a martial arts hall in Bruges, near Bordeaux, wants to save his establishment, on the verge of financial asphyxiation, and warn of the "hecatomb" of private sports associations, in the context of a health crisis which lasts.
"We have no more money, nothing to last until September," explained Jean-Michel Rey, manager of the Dojo 114 room, where the words "on hunger strike" float on a white sheet in the room. above the front door.
Installed on the carpet of his gym, this 59-year-old former bodyguard, strong build, has received no financial assistance since the closure of his establishment almost a year ago because of the epidemic of Covid-19.
"If the dojo goes out, there will be two"
"We are missing three months of rent, it's 6,000 euros, hoping to reopen in September 2021", specifies Jean-Michel Rey, whose club with a monthly rent of 2,100 euros lives solely on contributions from volunteers.
"If the dojo goes out, there will be two", warns the manager.
The man, followed by a doctor from the association, claims to have already lost 12 kg.
Opened in 2014, this 120 m2 private association room normally accommodates some 250 members around four disciplines - karate, kung-fu, MMA and ju-jitsu - for an annual membership fee ranging from 300 to 450 euros depending on the sport practiced. .
A pot launched by the members
"All the associations are collapsing, it is a hecatomb", alarms Jean-Michel Rey, who denounces "the oblivion" and "the lack" of consideration of the public authorities towards the sports associations.
The manager even wrote to the Elysee.
The municipality which ensures that the association "has never appealed to the town hall", will mobilize the support fund for associations supplied by the municipality, the department and the region, she assures.
“We are going to help him put together an emergency case.
One way or another, he will have his money, "said Gonzalo Chacon, sports and youth assistant," we will help him to pass the course.
A first prize pool, launched by the members, raised 4,000 euros.
For Eric Brun, a volunteer instructor who launched a second donation campaign, “we are the collateral victims of this situation.
People need to come here.
"
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Coronavirus
Hunger-strike
Covid 19
Aquitaine
Bordeaux
Martial Arts