French Guiana Unveils High Performance Sporting Infrastructure for 2014 and 2016

The French government has today unveiled plans to develop in Guyane (French Guiana), located just north of Brazil, an array of high quality sporting infrastructure over the next four years.  

The plans were revealed today at Club France in London, during a special presentation involving FIFA World Cup winner, Bernard Lama, and Olympic Silver Medallist, Malia Metalla, in anticipation of Brazil hosting the world’s two largest sporting events in 2014 and 2016.   

The new developments in Guyane, which include stadia, hotels, a transport network and other facilities fit to host high performance sport, are aimed at attracting elite athletes and national teams from the world’s top sporting nations.  The developments are underway so sportsmen and women can use Guyane as a training base in the lead up to the 2014 FIFA World Cup or 2016 Olympic Games.

The GIP Guiana 2014-2016 team, which is overseeing the developments, is currently in London to learn lessons from the London 2012 organizers, present its plans to media and meet with key sporting dignitaries from around the world during the Games.  The delegation will be based at Club France in Old Billingsgate walk until Saturday, 4 August.

Roger-Michel Loupec, President of Guyane 2014-2016, said: “From 2013, the sports world will be following the rhythm of the South American continent. French Guiana, like the Pas de Calais before it, intends to offer sport federations the best possible training and preparation facilities. With no time difference, a similar climate, European standard safety conditions and free access to sports facilities, you need look no further. We await you in French Guiana.” 

Ahead of 2014, Guyane’s football facilities will be transformed, with the Edmard Lama stadium in Rémire-Montjoly and the Bois Chaudat stadium in Kourou significantly enlarged and renovated in order to attract the world’s best football teams.  Additional sporting infrastructure is also being developed across the country in time for 2016, including an international standard athletics track in Rémire-Montjoly, a 10 lane swimming pool in Cayenne, a martial arts hall in Matoury for combat sports and fencing and a water course in Montsinéry for elite rowers, canoeists and kayakers. 

Jean-Pierre Mougin, Secretary-General of the French National Olympic Committee,commented: “By spending just over €35 million over three years on the construction and renovation of sports facilities, French Guiana is addressing the growing needs of a steadily increasing young population.” 

“Over and above this, the territory’s exceptional effort in developing sports facilities provides the opportunity for French and foreign teams to train in good conditions on this European territory of South America. For all these reasons, the National Olympic Committee is carefully monitoring the project’s progress.” 

Sports federations wishing to base themselves in Guyane ahead of 2014 or 2016 will also be able to take advantage of upgraded hotel facilities and an enhanced transport system. More than 4,000 beds will be made available across the country, while the Felix Eboue international airport will have daily services to and from France, Brazil and the West Indies.