The use of racism in sports was the subject of awareness-raising among young people in the Democratic Republic of Congo by the ambassador of the 9th Francophone Games, during a conference held Tuesday at the University of Kinshasa.

" The 9th Francophonie Games scheduled from July 28 to August 6, 2023 in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, being an opportunity for young people to meet and exchange as part of the promotion of cultural diversity, I invite young Congolese and university students to practice sports and to ban racism in sports ", declared the OIF ambassador to the 9th Francophone Games, Lilian Thuram.

In his presentation on "Racism in Sport," the former French international footballer called for schools and universities to organize courses against racism and "negrophobia," similar to those taught in the history of colonization.

This is to encourage African youth to deconstruct basic prejudices, particularly those of the superiority or inferiority complex, as well as underdevelopment, rejection of vernacular languages and hatred.

" Never equate the discourse on the Black race as an inferior race. It takes self-confidence to see how to develop oneself and one's values, change the way Congolese youth are educated, and understand racism as a balance of power in economic and political problems. ", urged Lilian Thuram.

This conference, held under the theme "The benefits of sport on health", aimed to raise awareness of the benefits that physical exercise offers to human health, particularly on the cardiovascular system, chronic diseases, bone health and mental health.

Furthermore, the renovated student residences of the University of Kinshasa are ready to welcome approximately 5,000 athletes participating in the 9th Francophone Games in Kinshasa, said Ms. Zeina Mina, director of the International Committee of the Francophone Games.

" I invite young university students to join this event, to support the organization, the participants, the athletes and to participate massively in all the cultural competitions planned for these games. " she said.

ACP