Moncton-Dieppe one step closer to hosting 2021 Francophonie games

The committee in charge of the Games of La Francophonie has recommended Moncton and Dieppe host the 2021 edition.

• Moncton-Dieppe bid to host 2021 Francophonie Games
• Moncton beats out Sherbrooke, Que. in bid to host 2021 Francophone Games

Moncton and Dieppe's bid was submitted officially on Tuesday in Abidjan, the capital of Ivory Coast, and they won the recommendation, beating out Sherbrooke, Que., and Guadeloupe, France, according to a statement from the province. 

Eric Mathieu Doucet, a member of the bid committee, whooped for joy when he was told Moncton-Dieppe had received the official nod. 

"It's really important for the province and for the Acadian people to be a part of the Francophonie at the worldwide level, to get to share our experience here in New Brunswick with all of big francophone family. it's really an honour," Doucet said.

The permanent council of La Francophonie will consider the advisory committee's recommendation on April 7 in Paris.

The New Brunswick government has estimated it will cost $15 million to host the games and wants to split that bill between the federal, provincial and municipal governments.

The government also estimates some of the cost of hosting will be covered by ticket sales, sponsorship and private partnerships.