adminABUJA. — In exactly 100 days, the curtains will open on the 2nd edition of the African Youth Games billed for Gaborone, Botswana.
As a matter of fact, young people of the continent are resolutely warming up for this cracker of an event, which will kick off on May 22, 2014 under the theme: “Uniting African Youth.” The Games will thus, after Rabat in 2010, afford us an opportunity to once again celebrate sport and Olympic values.
A melting pot of youths from across the continent, the 2nd edition of the African Youth Games will not only be a race for sports glory and medals; but also and more significantly an inter-cultural jamboree that will highlight values like ethics, fair play, respect for the opponent, a healthy way of life and modesty.
Considering Gaborone’s readiness for the event, it can be said that the various stakeholders involved in the organisation are determined to make these Games a memorable success.
As a matter of fact, with 100 days to go, the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa are quite satisfied with the progress made so far and they boldly and confidently said preparations are very much on track.
The sports programme is already available with the following disciplines on schedule: athletics, badminton, basketball, boxing, canoeing, cycling, fencing, football, golf, judo, karate, netball, rowing, rugby, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, triathlon, volleyball and weightlifting.
Moreover, five competition and training venues have been handed over to the Local Organising Committee.
Participating NOCs have already been informed about practical modalities.
To this end, Anoca and the LOC organised a seminar for chefs de mission delegated by the member National Olympic Committees on December 11 and 12, 2013 in Gaborone. A total of 43 chefs were in attendance.
On that occasion, the chefs de mission also familiarised themselves with the competition venues, other sports facilities, the layout of the city of Gaborone and transport arrangements.
It is expected that this experience will help them fine-tune their preparations and as such put up a good show at the biggest continental multi-sport youth event.
These are all good developments, which today point to the fact that Africa intends to offer its youths thrilling moments, barely two months to Nanjing 2014. It should be recalled that Gaborone 2014 features a sports programme involving 2 500 athletes, 54 NOCs, 21 sports disciplines and a cultural programme aimed at showcasing the continent’s immense potential and uniting African youth.
The Games Village is scheduled to open on May 20, while the official opening ceremony is billed for May 22.
The African Youth Games, the 2nd edition of which shall kick off in 100 days, are thus a noble initiative of Anoca. They celebrate solidarity, humanism and mastery of Olympic values. From a historical standpoint, they are an offshoot of the Anoca Games organised in 2006 for youth in various development zones of the Association.
Following the success of these regional games, administrators of the supreme governing body of the African Olympic Movement saw the need to organise an event that would bring the sporting youth of the whole continent to one venue.
This move, which was a natural progression, brought about more competitiveness and a broader scope with many more sport codes added to the schedule.
The maiden edition, which took place in Rabat, Morocco, was a success in terms of organisation, participation and competitiveness in spite of the usual challenges associated with a pioneering event. — Anoca.com.
Online Reporter