Africa Station, which is meant to be a fan zone, opened officially on 20 July 2024, 6 days ahead of the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Dedicated to the celebration of sport and African culture, Africa Station aims at bridging communities and celebrating diversity. The initiative is championed by ANOCA and the city of Ile-Saint-Dénis.
The opening ceremony was graced by the Mayor of Ile-Saint-Denis, Mohammed GNABALY, the Minister of Sports and the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Amélie OUDEA-CASTERA, the President of the African Paralympic Committee, ANOCA President, Mustapha BERRAF and Africa’s diplomatic corps. ‘African Station’ is a one-of-a-kind fan zone set up in Robert Caesar Park, a stone’s throw from the Stade de France.
Guests were treated to a parade of African flags borne by residents and members of city associations, showcasing the 85 nationalities of Ile-Saint-Denis, which has a population of 8,500 people. The site will host broadcasts, colourful displays, concerts, shows, exhibitions, and meetings with athletes throughout the Olympics, and also special events during the Paralympic Games on 7 and 8 September 2024, in partnership with Africa House.
Speaking on the occasion, sports Minister Amélie OUDEA-CASTERA, termed it a “wonderful place to celebrate.“
It is estimated that Africa Station will welcome more than 1,300 visitors daily, a critical meeting point for fans and lovers of the Olympic Games and its global diversity. What’s more, access to the sight is free for most activities. The equipment of the Robert-César stadium, transformed for the occasion, will also include shops and restaurants, offering a complete immersion in African cuisine and crafts. Thanks to the open gates, the public will feel welcome to join the celebration.
In a nutshell, Africa Station promises to be the inevitable meeting point for those who wish to experience the diversity and fraternity of the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics.
For Mayor Mohammed GNABALY,”…this project as an opportunity to instil in inhabitants pride and confidence in the future while creating lasting links with African youth. Let’s give a round of applause to the ANOCA President, my friend Mustapha BERRAF who, for two years now and every other month, comes to Ile-Saint-Denis to work with us. We were with him in Hammamet. We presented the project, it was unanimously adopted by all African National Olympic Committees. Thank you dear ANOCA President, thank you for your trust …!”
Africa Station is more than just a fan zone. Here, Ile-de-France residents and tourists will not just be spectators but also active participants, a place where African champions will present their medals and also spread the spirit of Fair play.
Speaking on the occasion, President BERRAF noted: “We are satisfied with the work done by all parties to set up ‘Africa Station’. All African delegations to the Olympic Games Paris 2024 should benefit greatly from this. Our athletes will benefit from it, and the benefits of diversity through sport will greatly bolster the bond of friendship and fraternity fostered by sport through Olympic values. Africa is proud of this Fan zone. We will all be there throughout the Games to share the benefits of solidarity through Olympism.”
President BERRAF did not fail to thank all those present and those who worked for the success of the endeavour: “Your presence here today greatly honours us, but above all, reassures us of the good intentions of all (national and local authorities, associations, sports movements and civic movements), towards young people of this constituency who are lovers of sport and love to share in fraternity and in love with others.
Let me avail myself of this wonderful opportunity to pay a glowing tribute to French authorities led by Mr Emmanuel Macron, for the wonderful and outstanding work that they have done: organising the Olympic Games in the dream city of Paris, Urban Games, Games that consider the overriding issues of sustainability, and above all, are open to all civilisations. I would also like to pay special tribute to the Minister for all her efforts, her exceptional availability and her exemplary friendliness. Thank you, you are in our hearts. Thanks for everything. We also wish to congratulate the Organising Committee Paris 2024, our Olympic champion Mr ESTANGUET and all members. You made it! You have honoured the World Olympic Movement and France. Let me also congratulate the Mayor and his teams for their civic commitment and the hard work they have put into this joint project, in concert with ANOCA. Africa Station is specifically targeted at young people, to give them some happiness and shine a light on the Olympic Games that are taking place in their country, in their city Paris and in their neighbourhoods.
You are wonderful men and women, who are dedicated and fully committed to your country and origins. We owe you much respect and admiration. To conclude, thank you all for heeding the call of youths who, thanks to you, will have the opportunity to experience the most exciting Games ever, in a manner that is inclusive and expresses greater passion for their idols.”
Athletes, cultures, craftsmen and women, and artists will be celebrated here for 23 days, from 20 July to 11 August 2024. Among the musical artists who will be performing is Senegalese artist Youssou NDOUR, who will stage a concert at Africa Station on Sunday 4 August 2024 alongside rapper Dip Doundou GUISS, during a night in honour of his country.
In 2026, Senegal will host the Youth Olympic Games and intends to create a similar atmosphere in Dakar. A special place will be devoted for Africa Station dubbed ‘Club Dakar 2026’ to secure the link between Paris 2024 and Dakar 2026.
Sporting and cultural Africa will showcase talent in an open-air space through an unprecedented programme that will spotlight several African countries on these exceptional days that will, each time, give the joy of living in Paris 2024. On 21 July, for example, there will be a special day for Mali to show its sporting and cultural potential. 25 other African countries are also involved in the ‘Station Africa’ Fan Zone.
