The IX Games of La Francophonie are fast approaching and Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of Congo is preparing to host this major event of sport and culture for young Francophones. Only thirty days before the opening ceremony, the National Director of the Games, Isidore Kwandja, and the Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage, Catherine Kathungu Furaha, held a press conference to take stock of the preparations and reassure public opinion.
Isidore Kwandja insisted that the games will indeed take place and that speculation is no longer in order. He stressed that the Democratic Republic of Congo will be ready to host this major event and that the necessary infrastructure has been completed. Despite Quebec’s reluctance to send athletes and participants due to health and safety problems, Isidore Kwandja recalled that during the session of the Permanent Council of La Francophonie, States and Governments welcomed the efforts of the DRC and confirmed their participation in the Kinshasa Games.
This edition of the Francophonie Games will be an opportunity to highlight the cultural and sporting grandeur of the DRC and the French-speaking world. Several dozen delegations are expected in the Congolese capital and the sports and cultural infrastructures, which were once abandoned, have been rehabilitated. These games will promote the talents of young people internationally and contribute to the socio-economic development of nations. In addition, the infrastructures financed by the Public Treasury will benefit Congolese youth, leaving a lasting legacy.
Despite the challenges facing the DRC, particularly on the economic and security fronts, the organization of the Games of La Francophonie is a positive sign of rapprochement between peoples and the strengthening of sports and cultural cooperation. Isidore Kwandja invited all the actors to take part in this exceptional event and to contribute to its success.
Thirty days before the event, more than 3,000 athletes and artists from 42 Member States and Governments of La Francophonie are preparing to come to Kinshasa to celebrate cultural diversity, solidarity and promote excellence. The final preparations are underway and the enthusiasm is palpable. The Francophonie games promise to be a highlight for Congolese youth and for the Francophonie as a whole. Stay tuned so you don’t miss anything of this unmissable event!
(Text inspired by the article “30 days from the Francophonie games in Kinshasa: the DRC affirms its preparation and its commitment” published on www.fatshimetrie