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Saint-Barthélemy has not received a medal for youth, sports and community involvement for nearly thirty years. This is quite an achievement on an island where one of the greatest assets is the dynamism of its associations and the diversity of the sporting disciplines on offer. This anomaly was corrected on Friday afternoon, September 19, at the Espace Rockefeller in La Pointe.
In front of an audience of some forty people, Prefect Cyrille Le Vély awarded the Youth, Sports and Associative Commitment Medal to David Blanchard and Jean-Marc Outil. The award was warmly received by both recipients.
The medal as a totem of immunity
Medal winner David Blanchard amidst his loyal supporters.
"Your career is a testament to your remarkable commitment to both sport and the environment," said the Prefect, addressing David Blanchard. Born in 1977, David Blanchard holds a state diploma and became surfing coach at the Ajoe Reefer Surf Club in 1999. Dimitri Ouvré, Nina Reynal, Tessa Thyssen, Noé and Thomas Lédée and, of course, his daughter Anaïs have all perfected their skills with him.
Son of former Saint-Barthélemy mayor Daniel Blanchard (1983-1995), he is also involved in politics. This doesn't prevent him from being seized by deep emotion when he speaks. I'm someone who likes to work in the shadows," he assures us, "and everything I do I don't do for glory, but more in the general interest. "
He thanks his parents, and the associations in which they were involved (Asbas, Lions club, Ascco, Ajoe, ALC) and which cradled his childhood. He recalls all the sporting activities he was able to take part in and the volunteers who supported them, his studies in Nantes, his return to Saint-Barth and his employment by EDF, his fellow travelers, friends and family.
His voice tight, he praises the importance of volunteering. "You have to help associations, but also listen to them, highlight the dedicated people but also the companies that enable people to get involved," he declares. Emotional, he talks about the time spent investing in his activities. My family counts the time I don't spend with them," he says. Yes, I'm often reproached for that. Even if I manage to make them understand why I invest so much time and effort, I dedicate this medal to my family for my repeated absences.Finally, Mr. Reeve, this medal will serve as an immunity totem on my next trips. "
"I remember the smiles and the passion".
Members of the Saint-Barth Triathlon alongside Jean-Marc Outil.
For Jean-Marc Outil, the Prefect underlines the intimate link between his name and the history of sport in Saint-Barth. The State representative listed the medals won at regional, national and international level by the swimmer who arrived on the island He arrived on the island in 1994 to take charge of the municipal swimming pool at the request of... Daniel Blanchard, still mayor and still president of the regional swimming league. "You were able to transform your personal successes into a collective mission," Cyril Le Vély congratulates him, before pinning the medal to his shirt with difficulty. "I reawakened the Saint-Barth natation club, which was dormant at the time," recalls Jean-Marc Outil. He re-established the swimming school and enabled the structure to take off, allowing its swimmers to distinguish themselves in competition. His paper slightly trembling in his hands, he cites the young champions who have left their mark on him. Like Caroline Nicol and Charlotte Backovic, selected for the French national team. He also evokes his "band of friends" with whom he developed triathlon on the island. "With just a few, we could achieve great things," he assures us. But community work isn't always a smooth ride. There are sometimes periods of discouragement. But above all, I remember the smiles, the surpassing of oneself, the passion and the shared happiness. "He thanks his parents, Bernard and Josiane, his wife, Jessica, his children and all those who have supported him for so many years.
David Blanchard and Jean-Marc Outil also received an award from the President of the Collectivité for their commitment.
