This text is part of the special Scientific Francophonie notebook
The 3are Conference of the Scientific Francophonie of Quebec formalized the establishment of a new French-speaking university network for sport and studies.
Supported by the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), the Francophone University Sport and Studies Network aims to provide an environment conducive to the academic and sporting development of French-speaking students, with a view to reconciling sporting practice with graduate studies.
This innovative initiative encourages, among other things, cooperation between different organizations across the globe to promote academic exchanges, scientific research on the virtues of physical activity within universities, and the development of educational programs centered on sport. in the French-speaking world, while encouraging cultural diversity between member establishments.
“The Network is not based on performance at all costs; what matters is the path to achieving performance, explains Guillaume Coudevylle, active member in the creation of the Network and dean of the faculty of sports sciences at the University of the Antilles in Guadeloupe. We only want to prevent high-level athletes from making choices, that is to say sport to the detriment of education, or vice versa. We want to train high-level students, a new generation of balanced and competent students, ready to meet the challenges of the modern world. »
From Albania to Senegal via Ukraine, around fifteen universities are already in the network, including three Canadian ones, the University of Montreal, the University of Moncton, and Concordia.
The example of Canadian universities
Guillaume Coudevylle says he is extremely delighted to have a source of Canadian academic expertise in the Network to be able to inspire elsewhere. “Canadians, sincerely, are innovative on issues of physical activity and health. Obviously, your government has been investing the necessary funds for student-athlete development programs for years,” observes the teacher-researcher, also a mental trainer.
You should know that the Network, founded two weeks ago, is still in its infancy. This is why it acts as a research laboratory for several more months, according to Guillaume Coudevylle.
“Thanks to this network, we want to lift everyone up since I notice significant disparities between French-speaking universities. I want them to have the best elements and tools to carry out their mission. We don’t impose anything; we make the best tools available and we share knowledge, including that of Canadian universities, to help,” argues the researcher.
According to him, the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar in 2026 represent a pivotal event in knowing whether the Network has accomplished its mission. And it will then be in 2027 that its leaders will decide whether its existence should continue or not.
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