Games of la
Francophonie
From September 27 to October 6, in Beyrouth, Lebanon. Visit the site regularly for the latest news!
Soccer – Rwanda 3: Canada 2
A strong half for each team
At the first sound of the referee’s whistle to begin the soccer game between Canada and Rwanda at the Stade municipal de Beyrouth, the young North Americans pounced on the ball and monopolized it for the first five minutes. »
Representatives of 16 states and governments of La Francophonie will compete in the categories of song, storytelling, original dance and literature. »
Interview With Didier Bence
A few hours before the opening ceremonies, we met boxer Didier Bence, who will lead Team Canada’s procession into the Cité Sportive Camille Chamoun tonight at 7 p.m.
Didier, how did you react when you found out you would be the flag-bearer for Team Canada?
I was really surprised at first. I was happy about it and proud, too.
What is your personal goal for the Lebanon Games?
I’m aiming for the top—the gold medal. Three fights are hard, but I’m still going for gold.
You participated in the Niger Games in 2005, where you won a silver medal. How are the Lebanon Games different?
Apart from the country, the atmosphere and the team, I was the youngest, and I had less experience in Niger. For the 2009 Games, not only do I have my experience in Niger behind me, but I also took part in the World Amateur Boxing Championships in Italy, in October, and I haven’t stopped training since. I’m in top shape.
You train with Jean Pascal, who also won a medal at the Games of La Francophonie. Is he a source of inspiration for you?
For sure. Our lives are similar in a lot of ways. I would like to go to the 2012 Olympic Games in London and then go professional like Jean Pascal.
Are the Games of La Francophonie an important part of your development as an athlete?
Yes. Jean Pascal and Lucian Bute both attended the Games. Today, they are professional.
Finally, Didier, why did you become a boxer?
When I was young, I liked to fight. Boxing and the discipline that goes along with it helped me focus my energy and learn control.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.
Quote
“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
- Morocco
- Madagascar
Answer: B) Morocco. France (1994). Madagascar (1997). Canada (2001). Niger (2005).