Official kickoff of the second African Youth Games (AYGs) in Gaborone

The Botswana National Stadium, Gaborone, was the venue, on 22 May 2014, of the opening ceremony of the second African Youth Games. The highly colourful event, which brought together athletes from all 54 ANOCA member NOCs, unfolded in several phases.

It all began with speeches, the first of which was delivered by BAYGOC  2014 Chair, Regina Sikalesele-Vaka, who insisted that the Games are an opportunity for Africa to shine, observing that people will see, in the days ahead, how a dream can come true.

Lassana Palenfo, pointed out the relevance of the event, which brings together, at the same time and venue, young people from all NOCs of the Continent. Turning to the participants, he urged them to respect Olympic values and to be worthy ambassadors of their respective countries: “Gaborone shall, for ten days, be the capital of African youth, sports and culture. I trust that these Games will bring us lasting memories,” he opined.

As for Botswana’s Head of State, H.E. Seretse Khama, who chaired this official opening, he began by welcoming all participants. He said that Botswana was proud to welcome African youths on its soil, before wishing good luck to all athletes who were in Gaborone to defend their national colours. Addressing a topical political issue, the President of the Republic called for an immediate release of the secondary school girls abducted in Nigeria, expressing the wish that they would soon return to their families, and then to school, to pursue their education.

Another major feature of the opening ceremony was the lighting of the 2nd African Youth Games cauldron by Botswana’s Nijel Amos. The 50,000 spectators in attendance were then treated to an arts performance, a musical show staged by Botswana youths, who told their country’s history through well choreographed scenes in the glare of fireworks. Then followed the march past of delegations, which was a real showcase of their potentials and an expression of their resolve to excel.

Another highlight of this opening ceremony of the 2nd AYGs was the decoration of President Seretse Khama. He was awarded the ANOCA Order of Merit in Gold, which was handed by the Institution’s President, Intendant General Lassana Palenfo.

Apart from the Presidents of Botswana and ANOCA, the opening ceremony was also graced by a host of dignitaries, prominent amongst them sports ministers, sports confederation presidents, IOC members, presidents of African NOCs and ambassadors of several countries accredited to Botswana.

The 2 nd African Youth Games will run till May 31, 2014. They involve 2500 athletes aged -18, who will compete in 21 sports disciplines. Besides this sporting component, the ANOCA event also features a grand cultural and education programme.

Suffice it to note that these Games have afforded South Sudan the maiden opportunity to take part in a multisport event since the country gained independence on 9 July 2011.