Embassy of the United States

Embassy News

Close Window

Ambassador Bernadette M. Allen (center left) poses with Wrestling federation officials and members of the Nigerien National wrestling team in Tillaberi

enlarge photo

Ambassador Bernadette M. Allen (center left) poses with Wrestling federation officials and members of the Nigerien National wrestling team in Tillaberi

Wrestling Caravan reinforces Key anti-corruption message

This year marked the inaugural edition of the Lutte Contre La Corruption (“Fight Against Corruption”) wrestling caravan (November 2-19, 2007).  The caravan program is in its third year and is organized by the U.S. Embassy in partnership with the Nigerien national sports federations.  Previous caravans have included basketball and soccer tournaments and have addressed issues of ethnic and religious tolerance, and good governance.

Traditional wrestling is the most popular sport in Niger and its practitioners are national celebrities.  The caravan brought champion wrestlers to eight Nigerien cities, where they faced off against regional opponents.  Ambassador Bernadette M. Allen presided over the opening ceremony in Niamey and matches in the cities of Dosso and Tillaberi, while Deputy Chief of Mission Donald Koran accompanied the caravan across the length of Niger to matches in Diffa, Zinder, Maradi, Tahoua, Konni, and the closing event in Niamey.

The caravan also distributed promotional items bearing the Lutte Contre la Corruption logo during its 6000 km round-trip at schools, libraries and community centers throughout the country.  The anti-corruption message was further reinforced through an ongoing series of thematic political cartoons published in private media, educational skits performed by a popular acting troupe, and a one-hour documentary shot during the caravan, which will air weekly on Nigerien national television during the next twelve months. (More photos)

Deputy Chief of Mission Donald Koran (right) with traditional wrestler display caravan logo, Lutte Contre la Corruption (“Fight Against Corruption”)	Children in Diffa display promotional items with caravan theme La Lutte Contre la Corruption	Deputy Chief of Mission Donald Koran (center) poses with traditional wrestlers at closing ceremony of the Lutte Contre la Corruption (“Fight Against Corruption”) Wrestling Caravan