The big judo party is getting closer. A week where “the way of flexibility” – the literal meaning of this martial art founded in Japan at the end of the 19th century – will be honored in Toulon from November 1 to 6. The Métropole TPM, the Var committee and the French Judo Federation have worked hand in hand to offer various major events.
Let’s start with the end, the competition. Almost fifteen years later (1), the French championship (seniors 1st division) returns to the Toulon sports hall on November 5 and 6. A weekend where around 500 judokas will try to win an individual title in each of the 14 categories.
“Three thousand spectators expected”
For the occasion, several Varois will fight at home (Devictor, Gibelli, Mosdier, M’Bairo, etc.). “In 2008, it was a great success, so we have a little pressureconfides Hervé Tarpéa, president of the Var committee. But we have all the elements for this to happen again. The Federation and the Paca League are largely responsible for organizing the competition. Not to mention that we are in support. We are counting on 3,000 spectators on Saturday and Sunday.”
Second highlight of the week: the Itinéraire des champions, the afternoon of Wednesday 2 November. “We advocate judo as a vector of social successhe continues. That’s why we invited six champions (2) in order to set up a big show from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. for Var graduates and especially young people. Again, people are expected in Toulon. “We hope to see around 800 children”says Julien Tarpéa, Federal Technical Advisor.
The same morning, between 9am and 11.30am, the champions will visit sick children at the Sainte-Musse hospital.
The availability of the palace offered
And, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the palace, there will be the “Influence” evening with the institutions, various companies and the athletes.
On Thursday, November 3, two judo sessions will be held dedicated to leisure centers managed by TPM “with 250 babies in the morning and 250 in the afternoon”. Commendable actions at the initiative of the committee with well-defined axes: strengthening the territorial imprint of judo, creating proximity between the general public and the champions, developing and retaining licensees, participating in social inclusion and citizenship, initiate people far from the practice, etc.
Last good news – and not least! –, the TPM metropolis offered the availability of the Toulon sports hall throughout the week. Judo and sports lovers will therefore not have to pay a penny to attend the various events.
1. In 2008, Toulon had already hosted the French championship (senior 1st division). Frédérique Jossinet (-52kg), Lucie Décosse (-70kg) or even a certain Teddy Riner (+100kg, first national title) had notably won gold.
2. Sarah-Leonie Cysiquerecent silver medalist at the team world championship and Olympic vice-champion in Tokyo (-57kg), Walide Khyarchampion d’Europe 2016 (-60kg), Cyrille Maret3e des JO 2016 (-100kg), Antoine Jeannintriple French champion between 2007 and 2011 (-81kg) trained in Bandol and co-founder of the Var start-up Boarding Ring (glasses to fight against motion sickness), Catherine Arnaud double world champion 1987 and 1989 (-57kg) and Guy Delvingt 5e des JO 1984 (-60kg).
