The manager of a martial arts hall in Bruges, near Bordeaux, has been on a hunger strike for 13 days to save his establishment, on the verge of financial asphyxiation, and to warn of the "
slaughter
" of sports associations private.
Read also: Hunger strike: hospitalization of a member of the host family of a young Malian
"
We have no more money, nothing to keep until September
", explained to AFP Jean-Michel Rey, manager of the Dojo 114 room, where the words "
on hunger strike
" float on a white sheet over 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.
"
We are missing three months of rent, it is 6000 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 kilos.
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.
"
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 Élysée.
The municipality which ensures that the association "
has never appealed to the town hall
", will mobilize the support fund for associations supplied by the town, 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
.
Read also: Priority education in Givors: the two teachers suspend their hunger strike
A first prize pool, launched by the members, raised 4000 euros.
For Éric 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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