E

IGHT Cambodian sportsmen and artists have been selected to enter the second

Francophonie - a cultural and sporting event organized by France to build

friendship among past and current French-speaking countries.

More than

3,500 participants from 46 countries will compete and perform in the

Francophonie to be held in Paris from July 5 to 13.

Mon Kim Hoy, the

secretary of the Ministry of Education who will lead the team said: "Our

traditional art and sport is different from other countries so our team will not

compete against them.

"We will give traditional performances of our

music, art and sport, this will hopefully pleasantly surprise the spectators. I

hope we will achieve in this event."

Souse Samaly, 34, a trumpet player

with the team said: "I am very happy I was invited to join this big event. I

haven't had such an opportunity since performing in the Soviet Union in 1987."

Among the arts events at the Francophonie are traditional and modern

dancing, singing, folk tales, painting and carving.