Daily Independent (Lagos)
Tony Ezimakor
9 July 2009
Abuja — President of the International Olympic committee (IOC), Jacques Rogge, has hailed progress made so far, in all areas of sports in Africa, saying its prospect in the continent is bright.
He singled out the hosting of the FIFA World Cups as a catalyst that will boost sports in all regions of Africa.
FIFA, for the first time, is hosting all its major competitions in three African countries namely Nigeria, Egypt and South Africa.
The continent is saddled with the task of staging the U-17, U20 and the senior world cups respectively.
Rogge, who graced the 13th General Assembly of ANOCA in Abuja, said the championship would put the continent in the eye of the world, and serve as a major boost for football and sport generally.
While noting that IOC has not considered zoning as a way of spreading the hosting of the Olympics, he, nonetheless, expressed hope of receiving an African bid for the global sports fiesta in the near future.
He commended Africa's 40-medal outing at the Beijing Olympics, which he rated as an improvement from the previous edition of the games, adding that IOC will continue to support sports development in not-so- endued countries of the world.
Rogge explained that already, African countries are major beneficiaries of IOC's policy, aimed at redistributing revenues that accrue from the Games.
'"We are redistributing the revenue from the Olympics to all participants and we are giving more to developing countries. Africa is getting more of this revenue. Yes, we are giving preferential support to needy countries," he stated.
Rogge, who earlier
on Tuesday, paid courtesy call on President Umaru Yar'Adua, expressed confidence that the nation's helmsman is sincere about his avowed commitment to sports development in the country.
He noted Yar'Adua's stated value of the place of sports and education for youths, and his desire through the National Sports Commission (NSC) to spread sports facilities to all communities in the country.
Rogge, who was visiting the country for the second time in six years, revealed having fond memory of the country and its people.
"I am happy to be here again. I was here six years ago, and I have fond memories of my visit," he stated and commended the great sense of unity observed in the African Olympic body, ANOCA.
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