Africa reaffirms its commitment to promote unity through sports as the first African Games under the ownership of the African Union ended in Brazzaville

By African Union Commission (AUC)

The 11th edition of the African Games officially ended on 19th September 2015 after 15 days of intense competition at the Kintele Stadium and sporting Complex in Brazzaville, Congo. The African Union Commission honored the closing ceremony of the Games with the presence of a delegation headed by the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E Erastus Mwencha accompanied by the Commissioner for Human resources, Science and Technology, H.E Dr. Martial de Paul Ikounga. The ceremony, presided over by H.E Denis Sassou Nguesso, was attended by some Heads of State and Government as well as high ranking officials from African countries.

The colorful closing ceremony was an occasion to display the rich and diverse African culture as well as its dynamism and potential. The participants had an opportunity to visualize the aspiration 5 of Agenda 2063 aiming to create “An Africa with a strong cultural identity, common heritage, values and ethics”. Indeed different performances by African artists described a continent relying on the values of community, hard work and mutual respect and ready to take charge of its own destiny. Brazzaville, cradle of the African Olympic spirit, successfully hosted the 11th edition of African Games, after the organization of the very first edition in 1965, 50 years ago.

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Mr. Opimba commended the fair play spirit of the African youth during the competition and expressed his gratitude to the African Union for its leadership and constructive collaboration. He pointed out the fact that sport is a catalyst towards bringing the African people together and a driver for peace on the continent. He also highlighted that the 11th edition of the African Games was a window of opportunity to show the ability of Africa to host important sporting events.

This 11th edition brought together 8000 athletes competing in 22 sporting disciplines, 1000 officials and 1000 journalists to celebrate Pan-Africanism and African solidarity The next edition will take place in 2019.