How is African sport doing? The 8th edition of the International Convention of Sport in Africa (CISA), which opens on May 1 on the island of Sal, in Cape Verde, could provide its share of answers. This three-day annual meeting has established itself as a major meeting for the continent's leaders and experts. Its organizer, Diamil Faye, revealed FrancsJeux the program and the issues.
FrancsJeux: What will be the highlights of the 8th edition of CISA?
Diamil Faye: The 2014 edition is placed under the theme of sport and tourism. We will discuss and explore, for three days, how these two activities can contribute to the development of Africa. Our continent has undeniable tourist assets, but it does not know how to exploit them. And it does not know how to use sport, its activities and its events, to attract tourists. Africa has thousands of kilometers of beaches, where the weather is beautiful all year round. But it has never been able to establish itself as a preferred destination for water sports enthusiasts.
Are some countries leading by example?
South Africa has made progress, particularly in Durban. And Cape Verde is getting in on the act, by developing sporting activities on the island of Sal. But, elsewhere, countries do not realize the possibilities that sport can offer to boost international tourism. We will try to wake them up. In 2012, the London Games were used by England to launch a communications campaign and sell itself as a tourist destination. Such an approach does not exist in Africa.
Has the African sports movement evolved over the last twelve months since the last edition of the CISA?
A little yes. ANOCA (Association of African National Olympic Committees) has succeeded in establishing its African Youth Games over the long term. The first edition was timid. The next one, in Botswana, should see participation double. But progress remains slow.
Lamine Diack, the Senegalese president of the IAAF, will leave office next year. Who are the African leaders today who demonstrate the ambition to sit at the top of an international federation?
Ambitions undoubtedly exist, but they are individual. Many are thinking in their corner, but Africa is slow to bring its leaders to the summits. Unlike other continents, we have no collective approach. We do not position ourselves as a continent united in its desire to participate in power in the sports movement.
Where is the plan for an African candidacy for the Summer Games in 2024?
South Africa is considering the best strategy. Its candidacy for the Commonwealth Games in 2022 is the beginning of an answer. And she is encouraged in this approach. Other African capitals that might want to launch into battle must hurry. But, very objectively, the South African option remains by far the best for the continent.
Will South Africa be united behind a Durban bid?
She will have to be. We cannot afford to be divided in such an adventure. Africa will have to show the rest of the world the image of a united and united continent. The application must be strong. But, to achieve this, South Africa will have an important role to play, it will have to rally all the other countries to its cause.
