July 13, 2018
By Sahr Morris Jnr
African Youth Games to attract over 500 athletes
Team Sierra Leone has increased their preparations ahead of its participation in the upcoming 3rd African Youth Games (AYG) scheduled to take place from July 17 to July 27, 2018, in Algiers, Algeria.
Sierra Leone is expected to compete for seven sporting disciplines; Athletics, Swimming, Weightlifting, Wrestling, Beach Volleyball, Karate, and Judo.
The country’s Chef de Mission and Team Leader for Sierra Leone, Unisa Deen Kargbo, confirmed Sierra Leone’s participation in the game but could not ascertain further the total number of athletes or sporting disciplines due to final confirmation from the Sports Ministry.
Meanwhile, the African Youth Games will also serve as a qualifier to the Youth Olympic Games to be held later this year in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The African Youth Games is an international multi-sport event held every four years to complement the current All-Africa Games. It is eligible for athletes between the ages of 14 and 17.
It is thought to contribute to the development of African sport and the growth of Olympic values, as well as acting as trials for the Youth Olympic Games. The first edition of the African Youth Games was hosted in Rabat, Morocco.
The tournament was created by Lassana Palenfo, current President of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA). The idea came in 2006, but the very first African Youth Games only occurred in 2010. The second edition of the games took place in Gaborone, Botswana’s capital City.