Ganzourgou: The Zorgho Youth Meeting Association (ReJeZo) officially launched the 12th edition of its activity called "The 24 hours of sport of ReJeZo" on Friday at the Zorgho High Commission, under the theme: "Sport, social cohesion and resilience of populations in a context of progressive and popular revolution".
According to Burkina Information Agency, the ceremony was sponsored by the Minister of Sports, Youth, and Employment, represented by the Governor of the Oubri region, Sy Assitou Barry/Traor©. The event attracted administrative and traditional authorities, as well as young people from several localities in Ganzourgou.
The President of the Zorgho Special Delegation, Valentin Badolo, expressed satisfaction with the regular occurrence of this event. He highlighted how sport contributes to improved health and teaches values such as discipline, teamwork, and patience. He commended both the organizers and the community for their active participation.
Ragnang-newend© Isidore Tiemtor©, President of ReJeZo, explained that the association, founded in 2013, aims to benefit the municipality of Zorgho and the Ganzourgou province through civic engagement, mutual aid, and solidarity initiatives. This 12th edition includes two notable innovations: the international expansion of the p©tanque championship and the introduction of a market street for showcasing local products.
The competition, supported by the Burkina Faso P©tanque Federation, will include participants from the Alliance of Sahel States and other sub-regional countries like Togo, Ivory Coast, and Benin. The winning team will receive one million CFA francs and a trophy, with around twenty additional prizes for the best teams.
The market street is designed for actors in both the informal and formal sectors to display and sell local products, with performances by national and local artists planned as part of the event.
ReJeZo has undertaken several initiatives, including personal data protection training, income-generating activities for retirees, COVID-19 support for the CMA, and food aid for internally displaced persons. The association also plans a conference on road safety and helmet use for students in Zorgho, in collaboration with OBASER and the Provincial Directorate of the National Police of Ganzourgou, scheduled for May 14, 2026.
Emmanuel Sorgho, representing the Minister and co-sponsor of the event, lauded the initiative as "an example of living together" and "a model of resilience among the youth of Zorgho." He urged young people to use the platform to mobilize around issues of security, development, and national sovereignty.
Ms. Sy Assita Barry/Traor©, delivering the Minister of Sports, Youth and Employment's speech, congratulated ReJeZo on its initiatives and encouraged the continuation of the international opening of the p©tanque competition.
In preparation for the ceremony, ReJeZo organized a popular cross-country race on May 14th and two women's cycling races on May 15th. The event also featured p©tanque alongside board games such as traditional war©, scrabble, ludo, peanut throwing, and a blood drive.