Ligue Nationale Scolaire opens second edition in Abomey

Benin’s next generation of athletes has taken centre stage as the second edition of the Ligue Nationale Scolaire began in Abomey. The competition is designed to identify promising talent, support its development and prepare young competitors for future African and international competition.

The event started on Saturday, 22 August 2026, in the historic city known as the City of Amazons. Athletes representing Benin’s 12 departments will compete over one week, with the programme presenting school sport as a route to performance, education and personal growth rather than a race for medals alone.

Sports and Civic Engagement Minister Benoît Dato officially opened the tournament. The ceremony also brought together Secondary Education Minister Clément Kouchade, Defence Minister Delegate Gildas Agonkan, government advisers, members of parliament, Abomey mayor Métolé Franck Kpassassassi, traditional and religious leaders, and representatives of the education and sports sectors.

An artistic production titled “Rêve d’Amazone” combined theatre, dance, music and sport around the theme “The past dialogues with the future”. The organisers presented the gathering as part of a wider effort to build disciplined, resilient athletes and strengthen Benin’s sporting prospects. Victories and defeats during the week will form part of that process, with the emphasis placed on development as well as results.