The Games of La Francophonie are a great sporting and cultural event for young French speakers around the world, and this year they will take place in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. In a recent blog post, we learn that the games are still going strong despite some logistical challenges.
Organized from July 28 to August 6, 2023, the IX Games of La Francophonie will include many athletes and artists, with 3,648 people already registered for the programs.
Isidore Kwandja Ngembo, National Director of the Games of La Francophonie, recently reported to members of the Permanent Council of La Francophonie (CPF) that the city was ready to welcome the participants, with residences prepared at the University of Kinshasa. It is reported that there is still some road rehabilitation work around the homes, as well as the bedding in the bedrooms for which the final details are in progress.
The Permanent Council of La Francophonie also recommended that the Congolese authorities ensure the accommodation and the physical and mental health of the athletes as well as their safety. Other concerns such as mobility from the hosting site to the competition sites were also raised.
Although concerns were expressed about the logistical challenges remaining before the start of the games, the members of the CPF welcomed the progress presented by the National Committee of the Games of La Francophonie (CNJF) and reiterated their support for the participation of their teams, provided that the reception conditions are guaranteed.
However, it is important to stress that the Congolese government must respond to these concerns and complete the accommodation infrastructure as well as the sports and cultural competitions on time.
Ultimately, the IX Games of La Francophonie are an opportunity for participants to connect with Francophone culture and show off their talent in sport and the arts. Hoping that all logistical challenges are met before the games start, we look forward to seeing everything that will happen in Kinshasa in July 2023