“It’s a book that closes suddenly.” Beautiful words from ex-swimmer Marc Lafosse, honorary president of the swimming section of the Girondins de Bordeaux, after the death of Patrick Baqué, historic president…
“It’s a book that closes suddenly.” A beautiful phrase from former swimmer Marc Lafosse, honorary president of the swimming section of the Girondins de Bordeaux, after the death of Patrick Baqué, historic president of the Girondins omnisports, which occurred this Friday, June 28, 2024 at his home, at the age of 76. Patrick Baqué had been president since 1982, a 42-year lease, in a club of which he had been a member for seventy years. At the Girondins, it’s a page that is turning.
A former international athlete, Patrick Baqué was vice-champion of France in the 100-meter backstroke swimming event, selected for the world university championships in Tokyo in 1967 and Turin in 1970. A professional auditor, he also chaired the French Federation of Multi-Sports Clubs.
“Love of all sections”
“He had the delicate role in 1981 of developing with Claude Bez (former president of the Girondins de Bordeaux football club, Editor’s note) the process of separating the amateur football section, which became professional. He orchestrated the new era of the Girondins multi-sports club at the Rocquevielle estate in Mérignac.”
He describes him as a “leader of men, humanist, tireless trainer. He brought his wife Yolaine and his three sons Maxime, Loïc and Cyril into this crazy adventure, all of whom played… field hockey. According to Marc Lafosse, Patrick Baqué was “emblematic of the structuring of this club. He had the love of all sections and the dynamic of sport for all, while also supporting the high level.”
Patrick Baqué was also heavily involved in the management of the vast Rocquevielle estate, acquired in the 1960s, which includes a hockey field, tennis courts, padel courts, badminton courts, squash courts, as well as fitness rooms. and bodybuilding. Rocquevielle then spread out under the pines, today it is surrounded by aeronautics companies. It is one of the club’s assets.
