1.
GV & SV Crowd outside Halle de Sports, Cotonou, Benin Republic (2 shots)
0.06

2.
SV Construction sign
0.10

3.
SV Officials and ministers arrive for ceremony
0.17

4.
SV & CU Arrival of President Kerekou of Benin (in white) (3 shots)
0.29

5.
SV Guests applaud
0.30

6.
SV PAN FROM Kerekou and ministers seated along guests TO SV Chinese instructors seated (2 shots)


7.
LV & CU Ribbon outside hall and girls waiting with scissors
0.51

8.
CU President cuts ribbon and enters hall followed by ministers and guests
1.04

9.
GV EXT Stadium
1.09



Initials BB/1600


SPORT - GENERAL

Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: The Benin Republic's first major sports complex has been opened by the nation's President, Mathieu Kerekou.

SYNOPSIS: The sports complex is in Cotonou, the country's capital. It will be the venue for many international events, and government officials say the competition will help to raise the standard of sport in Benin.

President Kerekou, dressed in white, was joined at the opening ceremony by members of the government and the national council, or parliament. Also present was Jean-Claude Ganga, Secretary-General of the African Higher Council for Sport (CSSA), and the secretary-general of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), William Eteki Mboumoue. Chinese instructors, who will be teaching at the complex, were also at the opening. China has a number of co-operation and assistance agreements with the Benin Republic.

The sporting complex is just one part of Benin's major development programmes. The government of President Kerekou has announced plans to help Benin -- formerly Dahomey -- to become a leading African state. The planned developments are in both economic and cultural areas, with the emphasis being placed on the creation of a national identity. The Cotonou sports complex is the fulfilment of one of those plans.