The Senegalese minister of Sports Mbagnick Ndiaye Wednesday presided over the official opening ceremony of the 2014 International Sports Journalists Association (AIPS) Africa Congress at the Hotel Savana in Dakar. The Senegalese born president of the International Athletics Association (IAAF), Lamine Diack, and AIPS president Gianni Merlo, also attended the congress that brought together senior sports executives and sports journalists from across the continent. Minister Ndiaye told delegates from the 22 countries gathered at the Hotel Savana that President Macky Sall of Senegal was again delighted to welcome the African sports journalists to his country. "Ladies and gentlemen allow me to congratulate you for your dynamism. Despite the weak means and daily problems, this association has managed to bring the congress back to Dakar. We acknowledged your strides in giving the association new impetus.
The sports press plays an important role in information dissemination in Senegal - be it the media or the local and international federations. I would like to welcome you on behalf of the president of the republic, who gave you an award last year, which is not only a testament to how much the Senegalese people welcome you but the high regard accorded to sports journalists," Ndiaye remarked.
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