The French Embassy in Manila organized a 24-hour virtual worldwide sports relay on 14 March to bring people across time zones to the Olympic movement and integrate sports in everyday life.

French Ambassador Michele Boccoz led the symbolic passing of the baton from Japan to the Philippines and from the Philippines to Thailand.

An hour of games was organized in participating countries and in French Polynesia, the host territory of the Paris 2024 surfing events to signal the passing of the baton.

In the Philippines, a friendly basketball game between Ateneo de Manila University and the University of the Philippines Women’s Basketball teams took place as homage to Filipino’s love for basketball, the country’s hosting of FIBA World Cup finals this year and International Women’s Day.

Since arriving in Manila, Ambassador Boccoz saw that, to Filipinos, basketball is almost like a religion:

“I always see a basketball court near the church wherever I go. So, as we join the global relay from one time zone to another, we thought of featuring basketball as the sport most representative of the Philippines.”

“Indeed, sports are very important as it assures good health for everyone, while it also provides an occasion for people of different nationalities, religion, social standing and gender to engage with one another and promote peace and friendship.”