Deputy consul general of France in HCM City, Gregory Robert, introduces the "Sport and Fraternity" exhibition to visitors at the consulate. – Photo by The Consul General of France

HCM CITY – The French consulate in HCM City general launched an art exhibition called "Sport and Fraternity" at the French Residence on June 11 to mark the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris this summer.

It features 13 photos by news agency AFP of athletes and audiences and others honouring the positive values of sports such as respect, determination and sportsmanship.

Its theme is inspired by the "Olympic Truce" related to ending conflicts between ancient Greek cities.

Deputy consul Gregory Robert said "This truce dates back to 776 BCE. The cessation of hostilities between city-states in ancient Greece allowed athletes, artists and spectators to come to Olympia to participate in the Olympic Games.

"This truce was reinstated in 1993 at the call of the United Nations General Assembly. It aims to encourage countries to cease hostile actions during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

For a third time Paris is hosting the Olympics and expects nearly 15 million visitors and four billion television viewers.

Besides the sports itself, there will be various cultural and artistic exchanges to enrich the event.

The exhibition will go on until the end of September. – VNS