« We are witnessing an exceptional moment. » Mustapha Berraf's words are heavy with meaning as the first edition of the African School Games has just begun in Algeria. Born from a partnership with the International School Sports Federation (ISF), signed last year, the event opens new perspectives for African sport. Until August 5, some 1.700 athletes from 47 countries will compete, meet, mutually enrich each other and gain invaluable experience. important step for the development of African sport.
Supporting youth and promoting Olympism
The Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) has defined three objectives: to identify and train future African sporting talent; to strengthen the capacities of young African athletes; and to promote Olympic values. To ensure the success of this first edition and maximize the number of countries and athletes represented, the Algerian government made a concrete commitment in May: free participation fees that holds the top spot. " This strong gesture guarantees access for all young people, regardless of their country's resources, to this great celebration of African school sport. ", welcomes ANOCA, emphasizing here " Africa's ability to promote a model of concrete cooperation, where equity and youth are at the heart of priorities ».
Access to the stands at the Annaba stadium was also free on Saturday evening for the opening ceremony so that residents could share in the celebrations. Twenty-five disciplines are on the program for these Games, which will take place in four wilayas in eastern Algeria: Annaba, Constantine, Skikda, and Sétif. The program resembles a repeat of the Olympic Games, with 23 Olympic disciplines, from athletics to swimming, 3x3 basketball, wrestling, horse riding, beach volleyball, BMX, table tennis, and gymnastics. This further reinforces the importance of the event on the road to the 2025 African Youth Games and the 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
“One of ANOCA’s dearest dreams”
ANOA is very proud to see these School Games come to fruition, an ideal instrument for spreading Olympic values, developing young talent and strengthening solidarity between the nations of the continent. ANOCA, faithful to its mission, is today realizing one of its dearest dreams: to offer African youth a framework for development through sport, in the spirit of Olympism dear to Pierre de Coubertin., confides Mustapha Berraf. These Games are a concrete response to a shared ambition: to make sport a pillar of the continent's transformation. They are the promise of a future where every African student can dream, excel, and embody the Olympic values. Africa finally has a continental event dedicated to academic and sporting excellence. These Games are more than a competition; they are a founding act. "A major step, certainly, for the African sports movement to continue to structure itself: by focusing on youth, these Games will inaugurate" a tradition that is destined to continue and grow, edition after edition ", and will participate in building " an Africa united by sport and driven by excellence ».
