Ouagadougou: After two weeks of civic and patriotic training, 430 members of the Burkinabe national football team, representing all of Burkina Faso’s sports federations, officially completed their patriotic immersion on Saturday. The demobilization ceremony was presided over by the Minister of Sports, Youth and Employment, Annick Pikbougoum.
According to Burkina Information Agency, this cohort comprises 338 athletes and 92 coaches, mobilized as part of this initiative led by the Faso Bool© Agency. The objective is to strengthen the values of discipline, civic responsibility, patriotism, resilience, and civic engagement among Burkinab¨ athletes.
On behalf of his classmates, the class delegate, bowler Issaka Zangr©, praised an experience “rich in lessons” which allowed participants to deepen their knowledge of the history of Burkina Faso as well as the fundamental values that underpin responsible citizenship.
“This immersion has reinforced our conviction that the development of Burkina Faso rests first and foremost on the commitment of its daughters and sons. It also reminds us that sport is a powerful lever for national cohesion, international influence and the promotion of the ideals of the Nation,” he said.
The beneficiaries also pledged to fight against all forms of resignation, to defend the national colors with honor, and to serve the Fatherland with discipline, integrity, and loyalty.
Presiding over the ceremony, the Minister of Sports, Youth and Employment stressed that the integration of the Stallions from all disciplines into this program reflects the Government’s desire to strengthen, beyond sporting performance, civic awareness and the athletes’ attachment to the Nation.
According to Ms. Pikbougoum, this immersion also fulfills a commitment made during her discussions with the heads of the sports federations. “I announced that the Stallions of all disciplines would gradually benefit from a patriotic immersion program to strengthen their human, moral, and civic preparation. Today, this commitment has been fully honored,” she stated.
During this training, participants followed several modules covering military and sports physical education, soldier school, first aid, state symbols, the political history of Burkina Faso, the fight against violent extremism, security issues, doping prevention, and hygiene and health.
Addressing the athletes, the Minister urged them to always consider the scope of their commitment when representing Burkina Faso on the national and international stage.
“Every time you step onto a competition field and the Ditany¨ is played, remember that behind each of your performances stand millions of Burkinab¨ who place their hopes, their trust and their pride in you,” she urged.
At the end of this patriotic immersion, the 430 participants returned to their families, equipped with their training certificates, with the mission to promote, through their performance and behavior, the values of ethics, patriotism and citizenship acquired during their stay at the Loumbila Training and Production Center.