The Manitoban Francophonie carries Valor FC during a day in Winnipeg

On Sunday, many families and soccer fans took part in the 2nd edition of Francophone Day with the Winnipeg team Valor FC, which took place at the Princess Auto stadium in Winnipeg. This event was organized by the Société de la francophonie manitobaine (SFM) and Sports en français.

The event was marked by a clash between the Valor FC and Atlético de Ottawa. Despite the 0-2 defeat of Valor FCthe enthusiasm of the participants was palpable.

It’s fantastic. We are so happy to be here, to have this experience. This is a first for my son who loves soccer, so it will undoubtedly be a first of manysays Dominique Rey, a spectator.

I think that every time we have the opportunity to live in French, we must do it. And today, an opportunityunderlines Thierry Keller, another spectator.

The general director of Valor FCChantal Young, remembers the key moments that gave her emotion during the day.

Having things like during the national anthem, in French and in English, having the announcers in French, and hearing Welcome to the French-speaking matchit’s really special for everyone, for French speakers and non-French speakers to just maybe discover the French-speaking world herenotes Chantal Young.

The deputy director general of the Société de la francophonie manitobaine, Jean-Michel Beaudry, interprets this initiative as an opportunity to generate collective interest around the Francophonie.

It allows us to celebrate the Francophonie with the entire community, so not just among ourselves, but with the Anglophones. And then all the people who speak other languages ​​in the communityexplains Mr. Beaudry.

In February 2023, Sports en français allowed around thirty French-speaking children aged 3 to 11 to train with professional players from Valor FC at the University of Winnipeg multi-sport complex, RecPlex.

With information from Lindsay Guei