Ougrée
A nationwide merging of municipalities in 1977 absorbed Ougrée into the larger commune of Seraing, ending its status as an independent entity. This Walloon district sits in the province of Liège in Belgium; in local speech, it carries the name Ougrêye. Before the merger, it held full civic standing of its own. Ougrée had already sent notable figures into Belgian sport and writing before that merger changed its place on the administrative map.
Béatrice Mottoulle and Chantal Grimard both represented Belgium in Olympic swimming competition, and both were born in Ougrée. Their achievements placed the district in the record of Belgian athletic history.
Michel Preud'Homme, the Belgian goalkeeper, was also born in Ougrée, and his career in football gave him a profile recognized across the country. Franz Weyergans was born in Ougrée in 1912, and his career as a writer extended the district's reach into Belgian literary life.
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Common questions
Where is Ougrée located in Belgium?
Ougrée is a district of the municipality of Seraing, in the province of Liège in the Walloon region of Belgium.
When did Ougrée stop being an independent municipality?
Ougrée lost its independent municipal status in 1977, when it was absorbed into the larger commune of Seraing as part of a national merging of Belgian municipalities.
What is Ougrée called in the Walloon language?
In the Walloon language, Ougrée is known as Ougrêye. The French form of the name is Ougrée.
Which Olympic swimmers were born in Ougrée?
Béatrice Mottoulle and Chantal Grimard, both competitive swimmers who represented Belgium at the Olympic Games, were born in Ougrée.
Was Michel Preud'Homme born in Ougrée?
Yes, Michel Preud'Homme, the Belgian football goalkeeper, was born in Ougrée in the province of Liège.
What writer was born in Ougrée in 1912?
Franz Weyergans, who went on to a career as a writer, was born in Ougrée in 1912.
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