Ten clubs attend 9th Congress of French Speaking Penyes
Last weekend the city of Lyon was the epicentre of French support for Barça as it held the 9th Congress of French Speaking Penyes in the same venue as the inaugural edition in 2012. Since then it has gone on to become an institution, not only in France but with editions also being held in Switzerland and Morocco.
Penya Barça Lyon “Plus Que Des Supporters”, celebrating its 15th anniversary was the host of this year’s event featuring ten clubs from France, Switzerland, Morocco, Switzerland and Tunisia.
Busy weekend
This was the first time some of these people had seen each other for some time, seeing as the 2020 edition had to be cancelled because of the pandemic.
Saturday included a guided tour of the city and a gala dinner, where FC Barcelonawas represented by Mrs Núria Vilageliu for the Social Commission, joined by the president of PB de Lyon, Mr Nicolas Fayet and Mr Ikhlef Chikh, the local councillor for sport.
Everyone was also able to watch the game with Atlético Madrid live on TV.
Support for charities
The Lyon supporters also got to demonstrate how charity is an important part of their work, in fine reflection of Barça’s famous values. Fayet presented a cheque for €1,000 to the local branch of UNICEF, an organisation that has strong association to FC Barcelona.
Sunday workday
The event also involves an annual conference to assess various matters of importance to the movement, and where Mrs Vilageliu was able to answer a number of questions particularly with regard to the club’s relations with its supporters movement.
There was also a video game championship, won by the host club.
The next edition of the Congress of French Speaking Penyes will be held in 2022 in the Moroccan capital of Rabat.