By Margot Delpech
Published on
Tenacious, smiling, humble, committed, and hand on heart. It’s Raymond Ribes. From the height of his 81 years, the child of Barsac (Gironde) and former butcher, has just received two medals in front of his sons, his grandchildren, and the big family of the judo club.
The first medal is made of gold and was awarded by the former mayor of Barsac, Philippe Meynard. The second is a medal of honour, awarded by the Senate, presented by Hervé Gillé, senator of the canton of Landes des Graves.
In front of a hundred people, including the mayors of the last four terms, the one who created the Barsac judo club in 1972 and who rose as president for more than 30 years within the club, managed to give a few words .
Philippe Meynard honors Raymond Ribes
On receiving the medal from the hands of Philippe Meynard, he confided:
“Philippe, you have always been an important person in my life with unfailing support in the worst times. Your given word has always been kept […]. Thank you to the judo club for being so invested… Long live judo, long live Barsac! »
For his part, Philippe Meynard did not know how to make it short. It was necessary to mark the occasion… And yet, he had made a promise to himself: to stay in “his lair” without ever speaking again in front of the Barsacais:
“You fought to get Raymond to come to me, but it was with pleasure that I finally accepted. You have given a lot and in many areas. The neighborhood parties, the thousands of snails served in the meals, with more than 2,000 participants… You did it. This medal is to honor thirty years of good and loyal service within the associative life of our commune. It is also the medal of your wife who, from where she is, participates in this moment, because she has always supported you. »
“Judo wouldn’t be what it is without you”
He even reveals a few anecdotes that make the whole room smile. We learn that these two characters have never given each other gifts. The speeches followed, in turn, then the mayor Dominique Cavaillols confessed :
“Judo wouldn’t be what it is without you. There is also cycling, and so many associations in which you are involved. It is important for us to give you this youth and sport medal, at home, in your village. Thanks Raymond. »
The Senate Medal
At the end of the medal presentation, it’s a surprise. Hervé Gillé, the senator, hand-delivered the Senate Medal of Honor to Barsacais, also on behalf of Senator Laurence Harribey, absent for the event. Raymond was left speechless. A mark of eternal recognition for the one who never let go of his judo club or Barsac.
Was this article helpful to you? Note that you can follow Le Républicain Sud-Gironde in the My News space. In one click, after registration, you will find all the news of your favorite cities and brands.
