End this Saturday, September 30, 2023 in Grand-Popo in Benin of the 10th edition of the African Cup of Nations of maracana, the other football which is played with six players, without goalkeeper with handball posts. Ivory Coast in seniors and Mali in super seniors are the winners of the competition. On the sidelines of the event, the organizers mobilized young people to talk to them about the dangers of illegal immigration. The International Federation offers them the opportunity to enter the sports economy.
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With our correspondent in Cotonou, Jean-Luc Aplogan
At the stadium, in the grand Grand-Popo hotel which served as headquarters for the tournament and on the local media, the organizers presented to young people the risks of illegal immigration. Regularly, the message took on the appearance of a rant.
“ The target of the maracana is especially African youth, to whom we tell that their happiness lies within themselves, insists Colonel Bleu Charlemagne, president of the International Maracana Federation. Saving between 5 and 15,000 euros to give to smugglers is absurd. With 1,500 or even 300 euros you can start a small business in Africa which tomorrow could allow you to start a family that you take care of in a healthy way. ? »
The Ivorian makes a proposal to young people. The federation he heads is ready to give away the franchise of his brand of sports equipment free of charge. “ Anyone who would like to have jerseys, shoes, shorts to sell we will give them the franchise for free. »
Reactions of some young people met in Grand Popo and Cotonou: “ Why not, why not, it’s paid, right? I agree. Instead of risking my life I would like to join to work with them. »
The presidents of national federations are responsible for continuing the campaign once they return. First evaluation in Ivory Coast, in September 2024, on the occasion of the first maracana world cup.
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