The countdown has begun. In exactly 100 days' time, the Olympic Games will be officially launched in Paris. The Belgian Olympic Committee has just unveiled the composition of the Belgian team, the majority of whom will be women, as well as the concept of Belgium House, in the heart of the city, where Wallonie-Bruxelles will shine from 7 to 11 August. On the programme: business meetings, musical performances and gastronomic dishes prepared by Michelin-starred Walloon chef Ricarda Grommes.
The Olympic Torch Relay has begun. From 26 July to 11 August, the French capital will be buzzing to the sound of supporters from the four corners of the world coming to support their national athletes.
The Belgian team, led by former table tennis champion Jean-Michel Saive and former 400m runner Cédric Van Branteghem, is ready to go.
Made up of 52 women and 38 men, find out more here:Team Belgium
A Belgium House in the heart of Paris
As was the case at the London Olympics in 2012, a Belgium House will provide a showcase for our country for the duration of the Games. Located right in the city centre, next to the Arc de Triomphe, this exceptional venue will enable supporters and fans of Belgium to meet our athletes, watch the competitions on the big screen, attend various events and, we hope, celebrate some medals!
Plastic Bertrand, Daan and Tourist le MC have already been announced as headliners.
As partners of the event, Wallonia and the Wallonia-Brussels Federation will be occupying Belgium House from 7 to 11 August, and have put together a delicious cultural and musical programme that we will be bringing you very soon.
Walloon chef Ricarda Grommes in the kitchen
3 starred Belgian chefs will be taking it in turns to treat visitors and guests at the Belgium House: Yves Mattagne during the Brussels days from 26 to 31 July, Thijs Vervloet Colette during the Flemish days from1 to 6 August and Ricarda Grommes during the Wallonia-Brussels days.
The young woman from Saint Vith, in the German-speaking community, received her first star in 2017 for her restaurant Quadras.
She offers extremely refined local cuisine, with an emphasis on high-quality products and varied creations. It's also an opportunity to showcase Walloon products during these few days of Olympic festivities.
And the Middelkerke Olympic Festival
For those - and there will be many of them - who won't be able to make it to Paris this summer, head to the Belgian coast where the Belgian Olympic Committee has organised a festival for the 2 weeks of the Games.With broadcasts of the Games on the big screen, a beach bar, sports activities, a kids' corner, athlete celebrations and the official Team Belgium shop where you can buy all the equipment you need to be a perfect Belgian supporter, there will be something for everyone (free entry) to enjoy the unique atmosphere of this international event.