With less than a week to go before the launch of the Paris Olympics, Antwerp National Day festivities on 21 July are centred on sport and diversity.
Following the Euro 2024 football tournament in Germany and the Tour de France's final run on the Côte d'Azur on Sunday 21 July, the sport-filled summer will continue on Friday 26 with the start of the Olympics in the French capital. "The magic of sport acts as a beacon of hope for many, especially given the recent rainy weather," beamed Antwerp Mayor Bart De Wever (N-VA).
The busy sporting calendar offers a diversion, noted the candidate for Prime Minister, who is engaged in the government-forming process. "The feelings that sport can evoke in so many is remarkable."
The head of the Flemish nationalists views the 21 July celebrations as "socially significant", as they encourage thought on what unites us.
De Wever did not wish to comment on the ongoing negotiations to establish the new Federal and Flemish Governments. He stated that the upcoming decade looks "challenging", especially "budget-wise" due to the ageing population and in light of "geopolitical changes."
