11th Edition of the All African Games gets underway in Congo Brazzaville

The 11th edition of the All African Games got underway on Friday September 4, 2015 at the Kintele Sports Complex in the capital city. The Games which also celebrates the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Games is well attended with about 50 countries in attendance.

Events got underway with a Parade of Nations in front of attending dignitaries which included Presidents from other African nations as well as foreign diplomats. After the Parade of nations the crowd was treated to a display of lights and a Cultural extravaganza courtesy of the People of the Congo.

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The Games which is now under the auspices of the African Union after the dissolution of the Supreme Council of Sports in Africa will bring together most of Africa’s homebased athletes as well as some of its international stars. It serves as a platform to give athletes a chance to meet the qualifying standards of the Summer Olympic Games and the next edition is slated for Rio, Brazil next year (2016).

Sporting events at the Games themselves which where already underway since September 2nd before the opening ceremony started off with the following disciplines; Volleyball, Gymnastics, Fencing and Badminton along with cultural activities, Some of the more popular sports like Football (soccer) and Athletics are set to commence on 6th of September (Football) and 13th September (Athletics).

By: Leslie Koroma