« I am a true Champenois, purebred »attacks John Champenois, like the good judoka that he is. At 44, this fighter for life, “active and multi-hatted”, can be proud of who he is. “In a situation of disability”, the man is a citizen advisor in Pont-Sainte-Marie (where he lives), a volunteer first aider at the Red Cross, vice-president of the martial arts section of the AJFB sports association in La Chapelle -Saint-Luc, employee at the Esat La Fontaine cafeteria in Troyes… A busy daily life!
“Today, I am proud to be disabled”
“I have difficulty reading and writing. I had mastoiditis in my ear when I was 5 years old.specifies John. A serious problem which causes him to fall behind in school. “At school, I was pushed aside. I was told I was useless. And one day, a math teacher kicked my ass. She thought I was capable and pushed me. I owe him everything! » At that time, the teenager is in the third Segpa (adapted general and vocational education section).
At the age of 18, he had to have an operation (after-effects of this mastoiditis), then began to be recognized as having a disability. “I took it badly at first, but today I am no longer ashamed. I’m even proud to be disabled. We all are a little bit, able-bodied people don’t know how to do certain things too”. John acknowledges that he was supported by his family. “I owe everything to my parents. Me and my sister always went before them”.
This recognition of disability then opens doors to employment. He reoriented himself, still working today at Esat La Fontaine in Troyes as a “delivery caterer cook”. “In 2011, I came first in the Assiette Gourm’Hand competition “. The opportunity for him to meet President Sarkozy. Two years later, he was inducted into the National Academy of Cuisine. “I was the first with a disability”insists the cook, showing the official photo with his hat and medal around his neck.
“In everyday life, I get by”
“Today, in everyday life, I manage, make sure it fits. When I don’t understand a document or when I need to send a special letter, I ask my loved ones or the president of my club”. A determination that pushes him to reach out to others and allows him to meet wonderful people… like Laëtitia.
“I met my partner at the La Fontaine cafeteria where she also worked. And one day, I dared to ask her if she wanted to go out with me. She said yes! It was the 31st January 2003, I was going to be 23 ans ». On the other hand, don’t talk to them about marriage! “We are good as we are”. “As they say, a couple who doesn’t argue is not a couple”. Children? “No, it’s a candy buster. It’s good when they’re little, but as teenagers… I know, I gave my mother a hard time”. Choices shared by Laëtitia.
“I can trust him on the tatami, John has a judo culture”
The couple arranged to meet us on October 9, at the dojo of the judo section of the AJFB in La Chapelle-Saint-Luc. John is vice president of the martial arts section. His partner is a member of the office. With his brown belt (just before the black!), he supervises the kids and helps Andreas, the head teacher. “He has a good feeling with children, observe le prof. I can trust him on the tatami. John has a judo culture. He’s a nice teddy bear who knows how to be respected. Especially when they see him frowning! » That day, the “teddy bear” had 16 “microbes” in gear to channel, including one in tears that he was able to reassure.
John also manages the administrative part of the club with the president. Why judo? “Like Obelix, I fell into it at the age of 6 years old and since I didn’t like football… Nathalie (the president, Editor’s note) is like my second mother. Last year he received the bronze medal “Youth and sport” from the prefect of Aube for his community commitment. “It’s recognition for me and my club”. For fourteen years, John has also been an administrator at the Association of Parents of Maladapted Children of Aube (APEI).
When asked if he is worried about the future, “I’m getting old like everyone else. We are not apart, replies the forty-year-old. I would like us to accept people with disabilities like everyone else. We are all equal and have the same rights. It is important to help young people with disabilities in primary and middle school. I missed it ». He advises them to “go for it and not be ashamed of their disability”.
