Gabon School Sport, Meeting the Minister of Sports
The future of school and university sports in Gabon was discussed on the 17th July 2019, between the Minister of Sports, Franck Nguéma, and officials from various ministerial departments involved in the organisation of the Gabonese School and University Sports Office (OGSSU). The meeting was also attended by Valérie Lebondo, the ISF delegate of Gabon and by the advisor to the Minister of National Education, Jean Maurice Soldan. Both attended the recent ISF General Assembly held on 30 of June in Agadir, Morocco.
How to revive the sports movement via the school and university games was the issue discussed by Franck Nguéma, and representatives from the ministerial departments of Higher Education and of National Education and were also joined by the special adviser to the President of the Republic in charge of culture, sport and recreation, Alida Bignoumba.
In order to reactivate the activities of the OGSSU, Franck Nguéma wants a more refined version of the Games, geared towards performance. "This meeting should lead to the organisation of a national sports competition that would mix school and university audiences. This project is completely supported by the President of the Republic and must be implemented in the most effective way possible, for the good of the children of Gabon", declared the advisor to the Minister of National Education, Jean Maurice Soldan.
President Ali Bongo Ondimba is firmly behind the idea that the detection of elite performance in all disciplines is best served through the practise of grassroots sport and intends to support the return of this major competition to provide young students and academics with increased opportunities.
This project of renewal and revival of the school and university games requires the establishment of a committee charged with developing and designing a version that is viable. An interim committee has been set up by the Minister Franck Nguéma to lead this reflection with his conclusions expected by the 24th July.
