Oswald Homeky, Beninese Minister of Sports "The petanque world championships will indeed take place in Benin"

The Minister of Sports of Benin, Oswald Homeky was, Thursday 23 June 2022, on the program “The Government in action”. In front of journalists, the sports boss mentioned several subjects including that relating to the organization of the world championships of petanque. Read instead!!!

Benin wants to have a Boulodrome with international standards, where are you with this project for the next world championships of Pétanque which will take place in Benin ?

I would first like to confirm that the world championships will indeed take place in Benin. I would like to say that this project is progressing well, the bowling alley will be built. You know that to set up such an important project you have to do studies. The studies took a long time because the bowling alley that we want to build will be a jewel worthy of the new way of doing things in Benin.. It has been our trademark since President Patrice Talon came to power.. So the architect in charge of the project is also at this very moment in Benin where we took stock. The company is already selected. We are getting started and this bowling alley will be ready in about 12 or 14 month at most. We discussed this subject with the International Federation of Pétanque and Jeu Provençal whose president was passing through Benin.. I can reassure you that we will be able to readjust the calendar so that this bowling alley allows us the smooth running of this large-scale competition..

What can we learn from your exchanges with the president of the International Federation of Pétanque and Jeu Provençal?

What we can remember, is that, we are working together to ensure that this world championship takes place in the best conditions. I remind you that the architect who was recruited by Benin was advised by the Fédération Internationale de Pétanque et Jeu Provençal. This allowed everyone to see in a transparent way the difficulties and the solutions to be found to succeed. As far as we are concerned, all our commitments will be fulfilled. Benin has indeed mobilized the resources. The land has been made available, identified, chosen by the Head of State himself. During our discussions, we took stock. Due to the difficulties related to the pandemic, to logistics and supplies which are becoming more and more difficult, we reframed the deadlines with my colleague from the living environment. So, this project is on the right track and Beninese will soon be proud to see this bowling alley and enjoy it.

Transcription: Damien TOLOMISSI