The DRC Games: A new competition to promote Congolese sport
Since the IX Games of La Francophonie which took place in Kinshasa, a new sporting ambition has been born in the Democratic Republic of Congo. President Félix Tshisekedi has expressed his desire to organize the “DRC Games” each year with the aim of promoting Congolese sport and better preparing for international competitions.
During a dinner in honor of Congolese athletes and artists who participated in the Games of La Francophonie, President Tshisekedi praised their performance and the honor they brought to the country despite difficult preparation. He also announced that the new sports facilities built would henceforth serve as training and preparation sites for Congolese athletes, at state expense.
This announcement marks a new stage in the development of sport in the DRC. By offering Congolese athletes quality facilities that meet international standards, the country is positioning itself to host any international sports competition. The Minister of Sports and Leisure, François Kabulo, underlined the importance of these infrastructures and welcomed the personal involvement of the President in the organization of the Games of La Francophonie.
In addition to the establishment of the DRC Games, President Tshisekedi also instructed the Prime Minister to release merit bonuses for medalists and participation bonuses for all Congolese competitors. This financial recognition is a way to highlight the performance of athletes and encourage them to proudly represent their country in international competitions.
The participation of Congolese athletes in the Francophonie Games was successful, with a total of 39 medals won, including 5 gold, 11 silver and 23 bronze. This performance allowed the DRC to rise to 9th place in the general classification, a historic achievement for the country.
The DRC Games will now provide another opportunity for Congolese athletes to compete against each other in national competition. This will stimulate competitiveness and reveal new sporting talents. Moreover, the regular organization of these games will contribute to reinforce the image of Congo as a sporting nation and to arouse the interest of sponsors and investors in the field of sport.
In conclusion, the DRC Games represent an ambitious initiative to promote Congolese sport and prepare athletes for international competitions. With the support of President Tshisekedi and thanks to new sports infrastructure, the DRC is well on its way to becoming a major player in the world of sport