Activity 01 — Inter-Village Football Tournament

Where it all began: one ball, twenty villages, shared pride

The inter-village tournament is BI-WÔRI’s founding act. On the pitch, each team defends its village’s honour; around the pitch, all of Gontougo comes together. The competition is real, but the most important victory is a collective one.

20villages at the 1st edition
Measured result

[target]villages expected in 2026
Target

1BI-WÔRI trophy

21.11finals in Tanda

More than a competition

Sport as the region's common language

No summons or speech brings people together as widely as a match between neighbouring villages. The tournament harnesses that pull to create what is often missing: regular opportunities to meet, respect one another and cooperate.

It is also the gateway to the other activities: players, supporters and families who come for the football discover the Academy, the workshops and the Startup competition.

Strengthen cohesion and social peace between villages
Promote health and sporting values among young people
Reveal local sporting talent
Give every participating village a showcase

Format

How the tournament works

Indicative format, to be confirmed in the official rules depending on the number of registered delegations.

Registration

Forming delegations

Each village registers a team and appoints a delegation leader.

Draw

Group allocation

Public draw of the groups, in a spirit of transparency.

Group stage

First matches

Group matches before or during the festival, depending on the final schedule.

21 November 2026

Finals and trophy

Semi-finals and final in Tanda, trophy presented during the evening.

Fair-play charter

Win without ever losing the BI-WÔRI spirit

Every delegation commits to a shared charter. It ensures that sporting rivalry remains a celebration — and never a source of tension between communities.

Respect for opponents

The village across the pitch is a neighbour before it is a rival.

Respect for referees

Referees’ decisions are accepted; complaints go through the delegation leader.

Supporter responsibility

Each village is accountable for the behaviour of its supporters.

Eligible players

Players genuinely represent their village, according to the eligibility rules.

Partners wanted

Support the tournament

The tournament offers outstanding grassroots visibility and a direct association with sporting values.

Equipment

Jerseys, balls, nets, bibs: concrete needs for every delegation.

Refereeing and officials

Covering the costs of referees and tournament officials.

Delegation transport

Helping remote villages reach Tanda in good conditions.

Questions about the tournament

Who can register a team?

A person mandated by the village, in liaison with the traditional leadership. Registration form.

Is there a registration fee?

Any fees will be specified in the official rules.

Can women's teams take part?

The committee is considering a women's competition. Register your interest through the contact form.

Where can I find the full rules?

They will be published on this page before registrations open.

The Festival

Programme

Get Involved

Partners

Where it all began: one ball, twenty villages, shared pride

Sport as the region's common language

How the tournament works

Forming delegations

Group allocation

First matches

Finals and trophy

Win without ever losing the BI-WÔRI spirit

Respect for opponents

Respect for referees

Supporter responsibility

Eligible players

Support the tournament

Equipment

Refereeing and officials

Delegation transport

Questions about the tournament

Explore the other activities

BI-WÔRI Leadership Academy

BI-WÔRI Gontougo Youth Network

BI-WÔRI Children's Village

"Women Leaders of Gontougo" Panel

BI-WÔRI Startup Competition

BI-WÔRI Practical Workshops

Will your village be on the pitch?