This evening, in the beautiful setting of Place Massรฉna, the President of the International Organization of La Francophonie, Abdou Diouf, and the Mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, President of the National Organization Committee, will open the Games of La Francophonie in the presence of President Franรงois Hollande and other heads of state and government who are also invited and present.
After so many words spoken and written, promises of doing this or that, as is common for any major event of this kind, the time has now come for the real protagonists, the young athletes and artists from all corners of the world, to begin the various cultural and sports competitions of the program.
For any athlete, participating is already an achievement, but victory is the ultimate goal. However, sport, like art, can sometimes be cruel, and for every winner, there are always many more losers.
The true value of this beautiful celebration, which will unite the French-speaking youth in a single city, in the same stadiums, in the same residences, on the same streets, and other places of life for about ten days, is undoubtedly the Francophone youth. Because there is no more beautiful image than that of all these young people of different races, religions, nationalities, cultures, and social classes, all together for the same cause: The celebration of this youth to whom the future belongs.
All together, diverse but united! It is on such occasions that one clearly understands that while the world may not be united, it is and can only be one.
Of course, an event of such magnitude requires an efficient organization to handle its complexity. And it is never easy to respond to all situations or meet all expectations.
To achieve this, there is no model other than having a small group of specialists, but above all, lots and lots of volunteers. These anonymous little hands without whom nothing would be possible. Students, retirees, professionals on vacation, or municipal employees on duty: More than a thousand of them have given their time and energy to make these 7th Games of La Francophonie also a great celebration for the people of the Riviera as well as for the thousands of Francophones gathered in the Riviera’s capital for ten days unlike any other.
It’s well known that volunteers are not professionals, and often, there lies the difference… So many little hands and so many natural imperfections! But what really counts and makes all the difference lies in their generosity, which deserves to be honored.
The event’s hub has been set up at the Palais Acropolis to welcome delegations, journalists, guests, and other competitors. The prevailing cheerfulness and goodwill of all have helped to smooth over the mistakes. To the usual complainers who always exist when dealing with hundreds or even thousands of people, one might want to say: Could be worse, right?
But an event of this type is also, and most importantly, a state of mind, an opportunity for meetings, knowledge, exchanges, and sharing.
For everything else, it doesn’t really matter; it will soon be forgotten. What will never be forgotten, however, is the memory of these beautiful days filled with sport and art that all these young people experienced here in Nice. Memories that will remain forever carved in the minds and hearts of each and every one.
“Gaudeamus igitur juvenes dum sumus” are the beautiful and expressive words of the youth’s worldwide sporting anthem.
So, may the celebration be beautiful for the happiness of all and the heck with the mishaps!
