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Sounkamba Sylla to Wear Cap at Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony
Join us as we celebrate Sounkamba Sylla’s historic moment as he dons the cap representing his country at the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony. Discover the significance of this event and what it means for the future of sports.
French Sprinter Sounkamba Sylla to Wear Cap at Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony
In a significant development for the upcoming Paris Olympics, French sprinter Sounkamba Sylla has received permission to wear a cap during the opening ceremony, allowing her to cover her hair. This decision comes after Sylla had initially expressed her concerns about being barred from participating in the event due to her hijab.
As the excitement builds ahead of the Friday’s opening ceremony, a collaborative agreement was reached involving the French Olympic Committee, the French Athletics Federation, and the Ministry of Sports. The ceremony is expected to be a grand affair, featuring a parade of athletes along the iconic Seine River, with the French delegation donning custom-made uniforms designed by the renowned luxury brand Berluti, part of the prestigious LVMH Group.
In a statement, the French Olympic Committee noted, “In consultation with the French Athletics Federation, the French Ministry of Sports, Paris 2024 and Berluti, discussions were held with Sounkamba Sylla. She was offered the possibility of wearing a cap during the parade, which she accepted.”
France’s strict principle of ‘laïcité’, which translates to “secularism,” governs public life and creates a separation between state and religious expressions. This principle had previously led to discussions about the participation of athletes wearing religious attire, particularly hijabs. On Wednesday, the president of the French Olympic Committee reiterated that French Olympians must adhere to these secular principles, which include a ban on hijabs.
Despite these challenges, Sylla, who is set to compete in both the women’s and mixed relay events for France, took to her private Instagram account to share her joy at reaching an agreement: “We finally reached an agreement so that I could take part in the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games,” the 26-year-old wrote, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the support she has received throughout the process.
Interestingly, a similar compromise was established during the European Championships held in Rome earlier this year. Sylla, who has previously competed wearing a black headscarf, was allowed to participate with a blue cap that featured a sewn-on strip of fabric to discreetly cover her hair.