Kinshasa is about to host the IX Games of La Francophonie. Just a few weeks before this event, the Director of the International Committee of the Games of La Francophonie (CIJF), Zeina Mina, went to the work sites for an inspection. She said she was satisfied with the significant progress of the work on the Martyrs and Tata Raphaël stadiums.
Echoing his remarks, the Congolese Minister of Infrastructure, Alexis Gisaro, also reassured sports lovers and the inhabitants of Kinshasa by affirming that the games will indeed take place in the Congolese capital.
The construction companies in charge of the works say that the progress is at around 80% and that everything should be ready for the event.
The visit also showed the installation of seats in the colors of the DRC flag in the twin gymnasium and the stadium of the Martyrs. As for the Tâta Raphaël stadium, ten buildings out of fifteen have already been erected, including restaurants, accreditation room and accommodation. Finally, the Judo and freestyle room is ready and only needs a few finishing touches.
These significant advances augur well for the smooth running of the event, which has been postponed several times due to the pandemic and Canada’s withdrawal. The IX Games of La Francophonie will take place from July 28 to August 6, 2023 and will be an opportunity to bring together French-speaking countries around culture and sports competition.
In short, despite the postponements, the work is on the right track and the Congolese will soon be able to welcome the whole world to this great French-speaking sports festival.