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Rogge: Africa priority for sport development
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-05-28 10:57
President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Jacques Rogge said on Thursday that Africa is priority number one regarding his organization's sport development programs.
Rogge made the remarks in Johannesburg during his first official visit to South Africa, saying that the IOC's strategy was not only aimed at elite athletes.
"It is our wish to foster development on the African continent," Rogge was quoted as saying by the SAPA news agency. "Africa is the leading continent as far as money and resources goes."
He said that 65 million U.S. dollars had been invested in the 52 countries of the African continent for sport development. "This is more than the more populous continent of Asia," he said.
Rogge, who will also visit Lesotho, Namibia and Zambia, is in South Africa to familiarize himself with issues relating to sport and South Africa's Olympic organization, the SAPA said.
He plans to visit the 2010 FIFA World Cup Local Organizing Committee in Johannesburg on Friday.
Rogge will also hold meetings with South African President Thabo Mbeki, the Minister of Sport and Recreation, Makhenkesi Stofile, amongst other sporting stakeholders.
"I am here to get to know the continent better and to learn about the challenges that are faced in sport in the country," he said.
Rogge said that his other mission on the continent was to explore the viability of holding a youth Olympic games. The games, not necessarily to be held in Africa, will be for athletes in the 14 - 18 age group.
The games would be held every four years as the classic Olympics. "We are looking to hold the first youth games in August 2010, which will be the summer games and the winter games in 2012," he said.
Rogge said that all the 204 IOC member associations would be invited and expects 3,500 athletes to participate. While Rogge envisages a high level of competition at the games, the emphasis will be on education.
"We want to educate the youth about doping, HIV and the merits of fair play," he said. "Our aim is to prepare these athletes for the future and use the games to compliment the Olympics."
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