They were among the first medals awarded following the event being declared open on Friday (July 21) in the Ivorian capital.

The Opening Ceremony, however, was overshadowed by series of shootings in the city.

Ivory Coast’s President Alassane Ouattara, however, claimed the event should unite French-speaking countries when speaking during the Opening Ceremony.

Shelley Doucet, representing the Canada-New Brunswick team, won the gold medal in the women's marathon.

She crossed first in 2 hours 51min 14sec in a race where only two athletes finished.

Canadian wrestlers have also enjoyed a successful start to the Games. 

Steven Takahashi defeated Mkhitar Grigoryan of Armenia to win the men's under 57 kilograms freestyle event.

Ahmed Shamiya then defeated another Armenian opponent, Varuzhan Kajoyan, in the under 74kg final.

Armenia were accepted as a full member of the International Organisation of La Francophonie in October 2012.

A third victory followed for Canada when Jade Parsons won in the women's under 48kg category after beating home hope Caroline Yapi N'De in the final.

The Games are due to take place until July 30 with cultural activities being held alongside the sporting competitions.

Athletics, African and free wrestling, basketball, football, judo, table tennis and cycling will be contested, as well as Para-sport.

Athletes from 48 teams are participating, all of whom are from French or "mostly-French" speaking areas.

Full results are not yet available.