The ancient roots of the Games of La Francophonie

                                       In ancient times, the annual Games were the occasion of an enormous
                                       gathering and a time of sacred truce, during which hostilities ceased
                                       throughout the Greek world. The winners of the Games symbolized the
                                       embodiment of physical strength combined with spiritual beauty. The perfect
                                       union of mind and body!

                                       Harkening back to the principles of the Greeks, the Games of La
                                       Francophonie include both sport disciplines and cultural competitions. The
                                       formula is unique to the Games of La Francophonie and pays homage to the
                                       motto: "a sound mind in a sound body."

                                       Where do the Games originate?

                                       The Games of La Francophonie were created in Quebec City in 1987 at the
                                       second Conférence des Chefs d'État et de Gouvernement des pays ayant le
                                       français en partage. This project was the brainchild of a group of enthusiastic
                                       supporters within the Conférence des ministres de la Jeunesse et des sports
                                       des pays d'expression française CONFEJES

                                       Since then, every four years the flame of the Games of La Francophonie has
                                       appeared in a different country as the Games moved from Morocco (1989), to
                                       France (1994) and then to Madagascar (1997). In 2001, the Games come
                                       here to Canada. Then, in 2005, the flame will shine over the Games in Niger.

                                       Past games

   Morocco

                                       The first Games were held in Morocco in July 1989, in the cities of Rabat and
                                       Casablanca. Eighteen hundred participants from 30 countries took part.

                                       Sport disciplines
                                       Track and Field (Handisport)
                                       Basketball
                                       Football
                                       Judo

                                       Cultural competitions
                                       Painting
                                       Crafts
                                       Sculpture
                                       Choreography
                                       Visual Arts

                 France

                                       The second Games took place in Paris in July 1994, with 3,000 participants
                                       from 43 countries.

                                       Sport Disciplines
                                       Track and Field (Handisport)
                                       Basketball
                                       Soccer
                                       Handball
                                       Judo
                                       Wrestling
                                       Table Tennis

                                       Cultural Competitions
                                       Song
                                       Story-telling
                                       Contemporary Dance
                                       Traditional Dance
                                       Painting
                                       Television Production
                                       Sculpture

                Madagascar

                                       The third Games took place in Madagascar in August 1997, in the city of
                                       Tananarive, involving 35 countries and 1,500 participants.

                                       Sport Disciplines
                                       Track and field
                                       Basketball
                                       Boxing
                                       Soccer
                                       Judo
                                       Tennis

                                       Cultural Competitions
                                       Song
                                       Story-telling
                                       Traditional Dance
                                       Literature
                                       Painting
                                       Photography
                                       Sculpture

                          Next Games
 

              Canada

                                       The Ottawa-Hull region was chosen to host the IV Games of La Francophonie,
                                       which will be held from July 14 to 24, 2001. These Games will bring together
                                       some fifty states and governments and over 2,600 participants.

                                       Sport Disciplines
                                       Track and Field
                                       Basketball
                                       Boxing
                                       Football (Soccer)
                                       Handisport
                                       Judo
                                       Table Tennis
                                       Beach Volleyball

                                       Cultural Competitions
                                       Song
                                       Story-telling
                                       Traditional-style Dance
                                       Literature
                                       Painting
                                       Photography
                                       Sculpture
                                       Busking

                                      Future Games
 

                Niger

                                       We now know that Niamey, Niger, will play host to the fifth Games of La
                                       Francophonie in 2005. However, the cultural events and sport competitions
                                       have not yet been decided upon. So, stay tuned! More details will be made
                                       available to you as soon as possible.