It has lasted 10 years! For 10 years, the famous French, European, and World Judo champion has been present at the “Pièces Jaunes” initiative. Since January 27, 2006, he has been touring train stations with all the volunteers to collect the famous yellow coins. Rouen, Caen, Montélimar, and yesterday David Douillet was in Nice.
Known for his steel morale and iron will, David Douillet, highly sought after during this time of the year, granted us an interview. Indeed, this Sunday, the sun was not shining on our French Riviera, but it was certainly present in the heart of this 1.85-meter-tall champion with overflowing generosity.
Nice-Première: Since its inception, you have supported the Pièces Jaunes operation. What does this association mean to you?
David Douillet: The Pièces Jaunes operation represents a calling for me. When Bernadette Chirac honored me by asking me to be the patron of this operation, she said, “To truly understand, you need to visit a pediatric service.” I had never done that before. And then, it was a shock. It was December 1996. I met families devastated by their children’s illnesses, children severely affected, even at the end of their lives. When I came out of that service, I struggled to collect my thoughts. I realized how fortunate I was. At that time, I was a young father; my children were healthy. Nothing can be worse than that: To outlive your child. To have this catastrophe fall on your head is terrible! So then, I understood the whole meaning and importance of this operation. Today, 10 years later, my energy is still as fresh and willing.
N-P: The 2006 Pièces Jaunes operation, what does it have more or less compared to other years?
D.D.: Nothing less. We are still working on huge projects. For example: the adolescent house, the parents’ homes, the parents’ room, etc. We are always building, on how to do better, on how to organize the best collection, how to gather the most people so that all the projects that emerge from hospitals, we can make them happen, so we are always questioning ourselves, even though it’s been 10 years. We are not too concerned with dates, anniversaries because the needs are there and that’s the most important.
N-P: What project is closest to your heart?
D.D.: They are all important. The concept of the adolescents’ house is something very important because today, like yesterday, in a pediatric care unit, an adolescent is a bit too old; in regular hospitalization, he is a bit too young and all these psychosomatic illnesses linked to adolescence, it’s something very specific, with a very special staff, thus, it’s a real revolution to have built facilities dedicated to their pathology. It’s a big issue. Because there is true recognition of this pathology, maybe a bit more than before, so we need to address that.
N-P: Are there projects related to sports?
D.D.: Lots of projects related to sports. We’ve built stadiums inside hospitals, well mini ones of course (smile), we’ve constructed playgrounds on hospital roofs, we’ve made corridors for biking. There are many.
N-P: Do you know Nice?
D.D.: Yes, I come very often.
N-P: If I say Nice, what memories come to mind?
D.D.: First memory: airport and in transit to go often to neighboring cities
Second memory: Excellent restaurant here in Nice where we had a meal with truffles from start to finish and I have an excellent memory of it.
N-P: In old Nice?
D.D.: Yes
N-P: La petite maison?
D.D.: Yes (laughs)
And then, third memory: always an extraordinary welcome, always, it’s not for nothing that we come back here. The people of Nice are warm-hearted and warm with whom one feels good.
N-P: Thank you
D.D.: You’re welcome.
*Interview conducted by Audrey Bollaro*
