He is a sports figure in Mayenne who has just left us. Judoka Georges Benoît died on Friday July 15 in Nantes following a stroke. He was 76 years old.
As a child, Georges Benoît practiced various sports (football, athletics, handball, swimming) before discovering judo. In 1965, on returning from his military service at the Joinville Battalion, he found himself teaching judo to young people from Mayenne.
During his sporting career, Georges Benoît was member of the French team. In 1971 he lived “a fabulous experience” by spending three months in Japan with the French judo team. The Mayenne came back transformed from this internship.
Then, during his professional career afterwards (he was an official of the Ministry of Youth and Sports), the Évronnais developed judo in Mayenne. In particular, he participated in the creation of the Judo Club Lavallois.
Georges Benoît was also one of the organizers of the famous Tournoi international de Lavalreserved for the best minimal judokas for almost thirty years.
In 2017, Georges Benoît won an eighth dan. They are only about fifty to reach this level of practice and recognition in France.
Since May 2018, the Laval club dojo bears the name Georges-Benoit.
The funeral of Georges Benoît will be celebrated this Friday, July 22 in Mayenne. Several former great judo champions should participate in this ceremony.
France Bleu Mayenne presents its most sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Georges Benoît.