Paris 2024 Olympics: Beninese athletes arrive in Montfort-le-Gesnois

2024-07-02 22:47:00

Oh his arrival at Montfort-le-GesnoisBeninese athletes preparing for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games are at the heart of a series of immersion activities within the local community.

On Monday 1 July, in addition to their training sessions, the athletes and their team visited two schools in the neighboring towns of Tresson and Bouloire, together with the mayor of Montfort-le-Gesnois, Anthony Trifaut. “We will integrate you into community life; our children are eager to find you, to share moments with you”, The councilor has already announced the arrival of his guests on Saturday 29 June.

In both schools, the exchanges of Para-Olympic athletes Fayssal Atchiba and Marina Houndalowan and judoka Valentin Houinato with the students were marked by the enthusiasm and curiosity of the children, very happy to meet Olympic athletes for the first time. The Beninese Champions shared special moments with the school children, signing autographs and practicing different sports disciplines with them.

Official presentation and community support

On Tuesday July 2, the town hall of Montfort-le-Gesnois organized within the new sports complex of the city, an evening in honor of the Benin Olympic delegation led by Jean-Marc Adjovi Boco, Technical Adviser to the Minister of Sports. During this event, the city’s sports clubs were highlighted by donating their members and presenting medals.

A large number of inhabitants of Montfort-le-Gesnois, as well as those of the neighboring towns, came to welcome the Beninese athletes. The community’s pride in welcoming Olympic competitors was visible on every green-yellow-red flag that the participants hung together with the French flag. This support from residents should be visible during the stay; Many of them, chatting with the Beninese competitors, promised to always attend their training sessions.

Collaboration and connection

Immersion activities are an integral part of the internship program for Beninese athletes, under the terms of the agreement concluded by the Minister of Sports of Benin and the mayor of Montfort-le-Gesnois in March 2024.

The partnership is not just focused on sporting exchanges. The mayor of Ouidah and his fellow city councillors, who are present in Montfort-le-Gesnois, also take part in the various activities as part of a linked project focused on sport, culture and other areas of common interest.