Here we go again! The First Lady, Mrs Dominique Ouattara, President of the Children Of Africa Foundation, officially launched the 16th edition of Dominique Ouattara soccer tournament on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Cocody.
The event took place at the headquarters of the Children Of Africa Foundation, and witnessed the presence of guests including members of the government, sports officials, emblematic figures of African soccer, local elected representatives and children who had turned out in large numbers.
The event was also marked by the exceptional presence of African soccer legends such as Samuel Eto'o, President of the Cameroon Football Federation, Kader Keïta, Didier Zokora, Gervinho, Abdoulaye Ben Badi and Bakary Koné. National coach Emerse Faé, international player Franck Kessié and many other personalities were also present, much to the delight of the children.
An educational, entertaining and social initiative
Over the years, the Dominique Ouattara Cup has established itself as an eagerly-awaited event combining sport, education, social cohesion and the development of Ivorian youth. Through this initiative, the Children Of Africa Foundation reaffirms its commitment to the well-being and harmonious development of the country's children. Indeed, the Children Of Africa Foundation's Dominique Ouattara Cup Football Tournament will see a total investment of over 125 million F CFA, including 30,750,000 F CFA allocated to bonuses for participating teams in 75 localities across Côte d'Ivoire, and is not just a simple vacation tournament. It has now established itself as a platform for expression for children aged 7 to 15, offering them a framework where they can blossom, learn team spirit, discipline, solidarity and perseverance.
In her speech, Mrs Dominique Ouattara, President of the Children Of Africa Foundation, emphasized this dimension. "Every ball exchanged, every collective effort contributes to the development and happiness of our children. And that's our real reward," said Dominique Ouattara. She also thanked the donors, partners, district teams and members of the Children Of Africa Foundation for their commitment to the success of this event, which has become a symbol of unity and sharing.
For this 16th edition, 75 localities across the country will host the tournament, enabling thousands of children to enjoy a healthy, active and unforgettable vacation. Each winning team will be presented with a trophy, along with an envelope of 410,000 FCFA, full jerseys, balls and gifts for all finalists.
The First Lady encouraged the children to believe in their dreams, cultivate a passion for sport and enjoy their vacations to the full. “You have the right to dream big, because your dreams can come true, if you believe in them and work to fulfill them,” she declared with emotion.
Mr Adjé Silas Metch, Minister Delegate in charge of Sport, paid a vibrant tribute to the First Lady for her tireless fight on behalf of the underprivileged. In fact, the Minister even called her the charity wanderer, in recognition of her multi-sector commitment to helping the most vulnerable. "Today, once again, you offer us one of Côte d'Ivoire's most beautiful and flourishing events: sport. We understand that your big vision, along with your husband President Alassane Ouattara, encompasses all sectors of activity. You are, in a way, “a charity wanderer”, he said. For him, the Children Of Africa Foundation's annual soccer tournament is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the talents of children. He concluded by assuring the First Lady of his Ministry's commitment to the smooth running of this soccer competition.
Mr. Kacou Mea Justin, Mayor of Sassandra and spokesman for the beneficiaries of the tournament, thanked the First Lady for this soccer tournament for children. "It's difficult to find the right words to express the infinite gratitude of the people of Côte d'Ivoire in general, and of our 75 localities in particular, who have benefited from your sponsorship. This sport event will brighten up our respective communities during school vacations, offering our children eponymous trophies which will be much more than just rewards, but symbols of hope and success", thanked Mr. Kouan.
Young Tia Herman, 15, from Club les Etoiles d'or d'Adjamé, the children's spokesman, also thanked the First Lady for giving them the opportunity to spend an educational and healthy day. "How can we ever properly thank a mother who gives unreservedly to all the children of our beloved Côte d'Ivoire? Your commitment is so rare, useful and indispensable to us", he said.
The 1st edition of the Children Of Africa Foundation Football Tournament with the Dominique Ouattara Cup was launched in 2008. As prizes, the first team will receive an envelope of 200,000 F, a trophy, a set of shirts and two (2) balls. The second team will receive 100,000 francs, a trophy, a set of shirts and two (2) balls. The third team will also receive an envelope of 50,000 F, a set of shirts and two (2) balls. The top scorer will receive 30,000 francs and a trophy. The best goalkeeper in each locality will win an envelope of 30,000 F and a trophy. A total of 410,000 F CFA per locality will be donated to the various teams, best players and goalkeepers.
