GRAINES DE CHAMPIONS: A MULTISPORT EVENT TO FOSTER INCLUSIVITY 

KUALA LUMPUR, June 21 (Bernama) -- The Embassy of France in Malaysia has organised the 'Graines de Champions' event at Invictus Springs Hill (formerly known as Repton International School) in Johor on June 12, highlighting the importance of inclusivity, friendships and unity through sports culture.

In partnership with Invictus Springs Hill School and Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology, the event aimed to promote learning the French language in Malaysia and create a space for intercultural exchanges.

The embassy noted that this year holds special significance for France as it hosts the 33rd Olympic Games and the 17th Paralympic Games, marking a hundred years since the Paris 1924 Olympics.

“In line with this, the French Embassy in Malaysia hopes to extend the importance of sports and the inclusivity of genders and cultures and emphasise that playing sports is for everyone,” the embassy said in a statement here, today.

It added that sports act as a pedestal for learning the importance of camaraderie and sportsmanship while also shaping individuals to possess values of teamwork, respect and empathy.

The day-long 'Graines de Champions' event brought together 120 students from five public schools in Johor, namely Sekolah Menengah Sains (SMS) Sembrong, Sekolah Tun Fatimah, SMS Kota Tinggi, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Maahad Muar, and SMS Batu Pahat, along with 30 students from Invictus Springs Hill.

“The morning session was dedicated to a series of sports competitions from volleyball, football, table tennis, and swimming to badminton, basketball, track and field, and petanque while the afternoon consisted of pedagogical and interactive activities focused on the French language,” it said. 

The top three winning teams received special gifts from the sports brand Decathlon and the French Embassy in Malaysia, as well as medals and a trophy.

-- BERNAMA