A final thrill to close out a historic year. The African Olympic Movement is preparing to pulsate to the rhythm of the African Youth Games, from December 10 to 20. This major competition should allow the continent to maintain its momentum, marked by the election of Zimbabwean Kirsty Coventry as head of the IOC and by the organization of the first edition of the African School Games this summer.
Around thirty sports and around fifty nations
The African Youth Games return to the calendar after a seven-year absence. By hosting this fourth edition, Angola follows in the footsteps of Morocco (2010), Botswana (2014), and Algeria (2018). The event has grown considerably over time, culminating in 2018 with ten days of competition, some thirty sports, and approximately 3.000 athletes aged 14 to 18.
This year, the sports program includes athletics, rowing, basketball and 3x3 basketball, boxing, road cycling, BMX, fencing, horse riding, football, beach soccer, futsal, golf, weightlifting, gymnastics, handball, beach handball, judo, karate, wrestling, swimming, rugby, tennis, table tennis, taekwondo, triathlon, skateboarding, breakdancing, target shooting, and even traditional African games like kiela or wela.
On December 4th, the organization reported over 2.200 registrations, particularly in athletics (457 athletes) and swimming (290). For team sports, the largest contingents will be competing in 3x3 basketball (298), rugby (168 registered), and handball (160 registered). Even less common sports, such as skateboarding (3 participants) and triathlon (16 participants), show diverse and representative participation within the delegations. » the organization welcomes.
"The foundations of a robust and inclusive sports ecosystem"
In the midst of celebrating 50 years of independence, Angola has already hosted the Argentine football world champions in November and inaugurated the José Armando Sayovo Olympic and Paralympic complex. The African Youth Games will provide an opportunity to further involve the local population.
« By investing in our youth and creating new competition platforms adapted to different levels of development, we are laying the foundations for a robust and inclusive sports ecosystem on our continent. " underlines ACNOA President Mustapha Berraf, for whom the JAJ " These initiatives are part of ANOCA's overall vision, which aims to increase opportunities for young African talent and strengthen the continent's sports infrastructure. ».
The prospect of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games further underscores the relevance of such an event. The ANOCA has also pledged to integrate " a revolutionary digital dimension "thanks to a digital platform that" will connect all viewers across the continent Mustapha Berraf promises one thing: Africa will no longer be a spectator of its own event – it will be the main actor, connected, engaged, vibrant. »
