HIBAPRESS – Ahmed Al-Musa'id
Last Sunday, the activities of the third edition of the "Lyon Can Zone" initiative began in the French city of Vaulx-en-Velin, coinciding with the 35th Africa Cup of Nations. This gathering, which saw the light of day in 2022, is no longer just a sporting event, but has become an annual appointment that celebrates cultural diversity and strengthens ties between African communities and their friends in France.
The "Lyon Can Zone" association was founded based on an ambitious vision aimed at making football a bridge for rapprochement between peoples and led by Ghizlane Zahal, the founding member of the project and president of the "French Mediterranean Association for Common Living". The gathering, since its launch during the Cameroon 2022 tournament, then the Ivory Coast 2023 tournament, has succeeded in creating exceptional spaces for participation and celebration of the diverse African identity. The activities of "Lyon Can Zone" are not limited to screening matches, but extend to include a rich program aimed at enhancing the team spirit, through broadcasting matches on giant screens: to create an exciting atmosphere that simulates those in African stadiums; cultural evenings: combining art, comedy, and music, allowing the audience to discover the richness of African cultures; networking spaces: aimed at enhancing acquaintance and cooperation between members of the various communities in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
The city of Vaulx-en-Velin witnessed last Sunday the opening ceremony of the third edition, amid a festive atmosphere that reflected the values of friendship and brotherhood, amid an atmosphere of passion and enthusiasm that characterized this launch, confirming the success of the initiative in attracting a diverse audience united by love of country and sport.
In a statement, Ghizlane Zahal confirmed that the mission of the gathering lies in "providing spaces for sharing and common living, where each individual can find their place, meet others, and feel proud and belonging."
With the continuation of the Africa Cup of Nations competitions, "Lyon Can Zone" continues its path as a leading model for integration and social cohesion, proving that football is indeed a universal language that transcends borders.
