On Tuesday, April 9, 2024, Benin celebrated its sporting heroines during a ceremony held at the Friendship Stadium General Mathieu Kérékou, led by the Minister of Sports, Benoit Dato. This event was organized to honor the achievements of Beninese athletes, notably at the 13th edition of the African Games in Accra.
Odile Ahouanwanou, for her remarkable success, was rewarded by the government with a sum of 10 million FCFA. Marie-Rose Laleye, who won gold twice at these games and became the first Beninese athlete to win a gold medal at the African Games in Accra in fifty years, received 5 million FCFA for her invaluable contribution to the country’s sports achievements.
The evening was also an occasion to reward the Beninese Association of Arm Wrestling for its strong involvement and its constant contribution to the national sport development, which earned it a government grant of 2.5 million FCFA.
In his address, Minister Benoit Dato congratulated all the participants of the African Games in Accra, including those who did not make it to the podium, stating that each competition is an opportunity to gain experience. He reiterated the government’s commitment to providing athletes with the best conditions for their sports development and emphasized that Benin is now moving towards an era of sports professionalism, leaving amateurism behind.
“It’s up to you to play, it’s up to you, once on the various playing areas, to think only of the exclusive practice of your discipline, because our compatriots expect nothing but medals (…), even more victories and trophies,” concluded the Minister.
To recall, at the end of the African Games 2023, Benin’s participation was marked by: a 4th final event in swimming and athletics, a 4th place for the women’s 3×3 basketball team, a 4th place for the senior handball team, two gold medals in Arm Wrestling won by Marie Rose LALEYE, and a gold medal in Heptathlon won by Odile AHOUANWANOU.