Sport plays a fundamental role in the education of young people. In addition to physical activity, it contributes to the intellectual, social and emotional development of its participants. When integrated into the school curriculum, sport becomes a real lever for improving academic performance and promoting personal fulfilment.

Indeed, numerous studies show that sport has a positive impact on cognitive performance. Regular exercise stimulates memory, concentration and stress management. It also promotes better oxygenation of the brain, which improves learning capacity.

What's more, the values promoted by sport, such as discipline, respect for rules, team spirit and perseverance, are essential for success in general and at school in particular. If we want to create well-balanced, responsible and committed citizens, it is therefore essential to promote an education in which sport plays an important role.

The development of sport at all levels, whether amateur or professional, is supported by the key element of sports infrastructure. Without accessible, well-maintained playing fields, gymnasiums, stadiums, swimming pools or athletics tracks, it is difficult to encourage regular, high-quality sporting activity.

The first requirement for enabling people to participate in sport is therefore the availability of suitable facilities. Whether in urban or rural areas, the presence of facilities enables a greater number of people, especially young people, to learn about and participate in physical activity. As places of learning, socialisation and integration, sports facilities provide a structured framework in which the values of sport - respect, fair play, perseverance - can be transmitted. They also help to combat exclusion, promote social and cultural diversity and provide regular, safe and professionally supervised training. Finally, they provide access to the national and international stage and play an important economic role, creating jobs, boosting local economies and generating significant spin-offs from sporting and tourist events.

Football is the king of sports, and football stadiums are some of the most emblematic sporting infrastructures. In Africa, these include the prestigious Nelson Mandela Stadium in Bakari, Algeria, the Cairo International Stadium in Egypt, the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, and last but not least, the Stade Olembe in Yaoundé.

Recognising that sport is not only a form of entertainment but also a pillar of modern education, the Head of State of Cameroon, His Excellency Mr Paul Biya, has launched a number of initiatives to promote sport in Cameroon. In the run-up to the 2019 African Cup of Nations (CAN) in Cameroon, Paul Biya has launched 5 major projects:

    - Olembe stadium in Yaoundé,

    - Japoma stadium in Douala,

    - Roumdé Adja stadium in Garoua,

    - Omnisport stadium in Bafoussam,

    - Omnisport stadium Ngueme in Limbé.

These new facilities, in addition to the existing ones, led to the creation of the Office National des Infrastructures et Equipements Sportifs (ONIES) in 2023, which is responsible for their upkeep and maintenance, the operation, safety, development and sustainability of sports infrastructures and facilities, as well as specific related facilities built or developed by the State. The first director of ONIES, Mr François Félix Ewane, has the onerous task of carrying out these missions.

In conclusion, investment in sports infrastructure is an investment in health, education, social cohesion and the future of sport. It is essential for the democratisation of sport and the development of tomorrow's talents. May the people of Cameroon benefit from this invaluable asset.

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#YouthEmpowerment

#SportForDevelopment

#EducationThroughSport

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