Eric Chevallier, ambassador of France to the State of Qatar, helped launch the inaugural French Flair Rugby (FFR) – Touch tournament at the Intercontinental Hotel in the presence of event organisers, partners, sponsors and team captains.
As part of the Francophonie Week celebrations in Doha (21-27 March), the FFR committee together with QTouch will organise and host the Touch tournament at the Doha Rugby Football Club (DRFC) on March 23.
While addressing Touch enthusiasts on Saturday night, the ambassador expressed his appreciation and commended the French community in Qatar. He also expressed the importance of health and sport, congratulating the organisers for bringing the community together through Touch.
French Flair Rugby President, Jean-Christophe Barat said “There are 200,000 French speaking persons in Qatar, from various nationalities. Francophonie is normally reserved for promoting a dialogue to support solidarity between these French speaking communities.
“The State of Qatar is a member of the International Organization of ‘la Francophonie’ and with the support of our partners QTouch, Oryx FM and the French Embassy, we have decided to hold our first French Touch event.’’
French Flair Rugby vice-president Romain Quintane said, “We thank his Excellency for his presence tonight what a thrill it is to have him here with us he really is a great Ambassador”.
Speaking about the event partnership, Quintane said, “QTouch was awarded the event over two other event management organisers based on the strength of their strategy and creative ideas, they are also the most experienced in hosting and delivering Touch events in the country.”
“We have been participants in QTouch’s events several times over the years and on each occasion we have been extremely satisfied with their experience, delivery and execution. Choosing QTouch for us is a guarantee to have a successful event”.
For his part, QTouch Chief Executive Officer, Samuel Rico said, “It is a great honour to be given the opportunity to work with the French community and be associated with big name partners and sponsors for the event”.
“It is very exciting to see the French using the sport Touch as a catalyst for community activities. We are extremely happy to be part of their celebration, delivering a sport we are all so passionate about”.
Meanwhile, Total Sports has become the event’s first apparel partner and will have its logo appear on all team jerseys. The extravagant Touch gala is partnered by QTouch, Oryx FM, Maison De La France and the French Embassy. Other major partners include the Blue Falcons, Blue Phoenix, La French Touch, Institut Francais Qatar, Total, MJ MASHA, QTouch Media and Events.
Touch is one of the fastest growing sports in France who over the years has developed into a formidable international competitor. According to the international governing body (Federation of International Touch – FIT), France is ranked 10th in the men’s world standings while the women’s fair better in 7th position.
The one day Touch Tournament (9.00am – 6.00pm) will gather 16 teams (160) players, over 1,000 spectators including VIP’s and dignitaries and it will bear testimony to the strong sports and cultural ties among Francophone countries despite diversity of cultures under the umbrella of the International Francophone Organization.
