Moncton-Dieppe bid to host 2021 Francophonie Games
The worlds largest Francophone games could be coming to Moncton and Dieppe in 2021
An evaluation committee for the Games of La Francophonie is in the Moncton area this week, to hear the city's bid to host the 2021 games.
So far, the provincial government has spent $20,000 to prepare its formal bid.
The committee is touring facilities, and meeting with provincial and municipal officials, as well as francophone organizations.
"One of the big strengths of our candidacy is that the region holds all the elements and infrastructure needed to host exemplary Games of La Francophonie," said Eric Mathieu Doucet, a member of the Moncton-Dieppe bid committee.
Games of La Francophonie is an international sport and cultural competition held every four years since 1989. Sports include basketball, handball and wrestling, to cultural events such as sculpture and song.
Participation is open to athletes and artists from member nations in the International Organization of La Francophonie.
We have demonstrated time and time again that we have what it takes to host events of international scope.- George LeBlanc, Mayor of Moncton
La Francophonie has a strong Canadian connection, as former governor general Michaëlle Jean was chosen as secretary-general last November.
"We have demonstrated time and time again that we have what it takes to host events of international scope," said George LeBlanc, the Mayor of Moncton.
LeBlanc told the evaluation committee at a press conference held at the Capitol Theatre Tuesday that Moncton has a proven track record of hosting international sporting events, including FIFA Women's World Cup, and the IAAF World Junior Championships.
"Our world-class infrastructure, our community's strong volunteerism culture, our business sector's unwavering commitment," were all pointed out by LeBlanc.
Part of the international committee's evaluation will include tours of the Universite de Moncton stadium, the facilities at Mount Allison University and Crandall University.
Mahaman Lawan Seriba, Director of the Internatinal Commitee with the Games of La Francophonie, said it is doing the same evaluation process with the two other cities in the running to host, Sherbrooke, Quebec and Guadeloupe, France.
"The next step is on March 1, that's when the cities will be a ranked 1st, 2nd, 3rd," said Seriba in French.
By March the province expects to spend a total of approximately $100,000 to pay for official visits to sites and for various presentations in the bidding process.
A spokesperson with the province said the government is working with the municipalities of Dieppe and Moncton to share the costs.
If the province is successful in its bid for the 2021 games, the province estimates it will cost $15-million to host.
New Brunswick 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.