The President of the Central African Republic, Faustin Archange TOUADERA, met with IOC President, Thomas BACH, in the afternoon of Saturday, 27 July 2024 in Paris, in the presence of the ANOCA President, Mustapha Berraf.
Founded in 1894 by Baron Pierre de COUBERTIN, the IOC organises the Olympic Games every four years in furtherance of the Olympic spirit and values. The IOC plays a key role in promoting sports in society, providing significant support to athletes and sports organisations, and is at the very heart of world sports.
Fully aware of the importance of this commitment, the President of the Central African Republic paid particular attention to this meeting, which discussed IOC achievements in the Central African Republic, notably through the country’s NOC (CNOSCA), under the stewardship of Gilles Gilbert GRESENGUET.
A staunch advocate of sport, the Head of State made a case for and called attention to the difficult geopolitical situation in the Central African Republic, marked by a crisis that has severely affected sports infrastructure. He stressed the importance of supporting sport to build a brighter future for his country’s distressed youths.
The government of the Central African Republic is actively working and seeks IOC support for the construction of sports infrastructure and facilities of international standards. IOC President, Thomas BACH, undertook to work with the NOC and the government of the Central African Republic to address these needs.
At the end of the meeting, the President of the Republic was handed the Olympic medal and torch, as well as the heart of the Olympic movement for peace. He in turn offered his host a painting as a token of appreciation before taking leave.
He was accompanied by the Minister of Youth and Sport, Héritier Doneng WANZOUMON, the Minister of State, Director of Cabinet, Obed NAMSIO, the Minister, Special Adviser, Sani YALO, and the Minister Delegate, Communications Adviser, Spokesman of the Presidency, Albert Yaloké MOKPEME.
The presence of the President of the Central African Republic illustrates the importance he attaches to the key role of sport in restoring peace and fostering harmonious living together.
