The Development of Physical Activities in the French West Africa Territories

This socio-historical approach of physical activity and sport focuses on Mali, Southern Burkina Faso and Northern Ivory Coast. We interest both to the representations of body and sport phenomenon. Numerous cultural and historical factors throw light on the situation of physical education in Sahel (religion, ethnicity, settlement). The beginning of sport in western Africa is placed under the control of France. The indigenous were forbidden to do sport, but later with the World War I, French authorities have seen in teaching of physical education a great way to strengthen the Army. Then, the physical activities appear as useful and subversive practices. The African national sports emerge during 1950 decade, mainly in track and field and football