Games of la
Francophonie
From September 27 to October 6, in Beyrouth, Lebanon. Visit the site regularly for the latest news!
Opening Ceremony Tonight – Yallah! Yallah!
The official opening ceremony of the VIGames of La Francophonie will be held today at the Cité sportive Camille Chamoun.
The show, called “Partir/Revenir,” was conceived by French producer Daniel Charpentier. The ceremony will showcase Lebanon’s characteristics, history, uniqueness and diversity. »
Track and field, boxing, men's soccer, judo, table tennis, women's basketball and beach volleyball—the seven sport disciplines that will be on the program for the VI Games of La Francophonie. »
Lebanon at a Glance
The very heart of Lebanon, Beirut has for centuries fascinated and attracted discoverers, travellers, and visitors. The New York Times even classified it as the top city to visit in 2009!
Chosen to host the VI Games of La Francophonie, the city has decked itself out to welcome you warmly. At nightfall, residents regularly stroll down its pedestrian streets and along its Corniche. Sipping a chicha or a narguilé with family or with friends has become almost a ritual for many.
For history lovers, the downtown alone has an impressive number of monuments, churches and mosques. The National Museum and the prehistoric museum at Saint Joseph University are two famous institutions where ancient artefacts are carefully preserved.
But, to start the day out right and better face the inevitable traffic jams, some citizens take a Zen approach and appreciate the first rays of light. As the Lebanese poet Nadia Tueni (1935–1983) wrote:
“Beirut is the last sanctuary in the East,
Babillard
Did you know?
Cédrus the Phoenix, mascot of the Games, loves sports and the arts. His name reflects the most deeply-rooted symbol of our host country: Cedrus libani, the Lebanon Cedar. Like all trees, Cédrus is strong; like Lebanon, he is able to rise from the ashes; and, like the artists and athletes competing at the Games, he is courageous.
Quotation
“There could be no more stimulating factor for peace between peoples than this meeting of talented artistic and athletic young people.”
– Abdou Diouf, Secretary General of the International Organization of La Francophonie, March 20, 2009, in Beirut
Quiz
Which country organized the first Games of LaFrancophonie in 1989?
- France
- Maroc
- Madagascar
Answer: B) Morocco. France (1994). Madagascar (1997). Canada (2001). Niger (2005).