The Games of La Francophonie

• Role of Canadian Heritage
• I Games in Morocco (1989)
• II Games in France (1994)
• III Games in Madagascar (1997)
• IV Games in Canada (2001)
• Next meeting in Niger (2005)

The Games of La Francophonie are an international cultural and sporting event in which athletes and artists from States and Governments members of La Francophonie participate. The Games distinguish themselves from other similar events in many ways. They are the only major international Games where sports and cultural activities are presented in a comparable competitive context. This uniqueness showcases the originality of Francophone culture and the excellence of athletes from all the international Francophonie.

At the Francophonie Summit held in Quebec City in September 1987, the Heads of State and Government created The Games of La Francophonie, under the auspices of the Conference of Youth and Sport Ministers of States sharing the use of French Language (CONFÉJES-Conférence des ministres de la Jeunesse et des sport ayant le français en partage). The CONFÉJES established the Games of La Francophonie International Committee (CIJF-Comité international des Jeux de la Francophonie)(only available in French) and entrusted it with the mandate to organize the Games.

The expression "La Francophonie" must not be confused with the word "Francophone". As in the case of the Commonwealth Games, selection of athletes and artists to participate in the Games of La Francophonie is based exclusively on sport and cultural excellence, regardless of their linguistic affiliation. To date, the Games have been held four times:

The Canadian participation to the Games of La Francophonie consists of three teams: Canada, Canada-Quebec and Canada-New Brunswick. Canada's threefold representation is evidence of the historical and traditional importance that Quebec and New Brunswick attach to their Francophone roots. This reflects the desire by Canada to participate in different aspects of La Francophonie.

Role of Canadian Heritage

The Department of Canadian Heritage is responsible for organizing and coordinating the participation of athletes and artists who will represent Team Canada at the Games of La Francophonie. Canadian Heritage also participates in evaluating and verifying the activities and budgets of the Games of La Francophonie International Committee's Executive Secretariat; coordinates Canada's contribution to the documents produced by the Committee; and works on developing Canada's vision for the Games of La Francophonie. The management of Team Canada's participation in the Games is the entire responsability of the International Francophonie Directorate. The Directorate also ensures liaison with Sport Canada and the Department's Arts Policy Branch.

I Games of La Francophonie, Morocco (1989)

The first Games of La Francophonie were held in Morocco (Rabat and Casablanca) from July 8 to 22, 1989.

Canada, heavily represented at the Games with a delegation of about 400 people among its three teams, finished second after France in the medal rankings in the sporting competitions, and first in the cultural competitions, winning a total of 43 medals.

II Games of La Francophonie, France (1994)

The second Games of La Francophonie were held from July 5 to 13, 1994, in France (in Paris, Department of l'Essonne).

A Canadian delegation of nearly 400 artists and athletes joined over 3000 participants from 43 States and Governments of La Francophonie. Team Canada finished with 39 medal winners.

III Games of La Francophonie, Madagascar (1997)

The third Games of La Francophonie were highly attended and proved to be a rewarding experience for some 1700 participants from 36 States and Governments of La Francophonie, who gathered from August 27 to September 6, 1997, in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar.

A delegation of nearly 330 athletes, artists and team attendants proudly represented Canada. Team Canada returned with a total of 39 medals. The Canadian soccer team raised the level of enthusiasm by winning the gold medal in front of 30, 000 spectators. The victory over Congo was not an easy one for Canada, which won the game by a score of 3 to 2 after 120 minutes of overtime.

IV Games of La Francophonie, Canada (2001)

Canada hosted the fourth Games. This gathering took place from July 14 to 24, 2001, in the Ottawa/Hull region. Over 3000 athletes and artists from 51 States and Governments attended the event.

In addition to providing an exceptional platform for Canadian artists and athletes, the IV Games of La Francophonie in Canada provided an opportunity to combine Canadian Francophonie and the cultural wealth of the Francophone world. The 2001 Games were a true celebration of the French fact in America -- a forum for cultural and sport exchanges with the world. The Games also illustrated the benefits Canadians derive from their linguistic duality, pluralism and from belonging to the International Francophonie.

As with previous Games, Canada's participation was ensured by three teams: Canada, Canada-Quebec, and Canada-New Brunswick. Nearly 600 athletes, artists, coaches, health care professionals and team attendants were part of the Canadian delegation. Team Canada, alone, accounted for 300 people and won a record of 46 medals.

V Games of La Francophonie, Niger (2005)

The next Games of La Francophonie will be held in Niamey, Niger, from December 7 to 17, 2005.