ALL AFRICAN GAMES
Aug 23rd, 2007 by kendi
The just concluded All African games in Algeria are a multi sport event held every four years. It is organized by the association of National Olympic committee of Africa and all competing nations must be from the African continent.
The first games were held in 1965 in Brazzaville, Congo. Over the years Africans have worked hard to see the success of the games. A key figure, instrumental in bringing the games about was the man known as the father of modern Olympic Games, Pierre Fridy,Baron de Coubertin. Not an Africa, he tried his best to see the games established.
Prior to the games, it was not easy for Africans to come together under an umbrella, as the colonial powers made it almost impossible. Today the games are synonymous with peace and it shows Africa as an emerging continent.
This year’s event ended with Egypt topping the medals table after losing to Nigeria in Abuja. They worked hard and went home with a total of 199 medals. While the host country Algeria, came second, South Africa, Third and Nigeria fourth with Tunisia following.
An independent sports analyst based in Cairo, Eric Asomougha:
Did the games get the much needed publicity from the International press
Well that depends on how much publicity was done by the organizers.
AND THE FUTURE OF THE GAMES?
It has a great future. It is promoting unity in the continent. The unfortunate side of it is that some people are now trying to use it to score political goals. However, the great future of the games will outlive everyone no matter the different motives.