This is the main message in our minds at the start of 2021. Be optimistic and be confident in our capacity to complete our actions. These will definitely uphold our values and put our aspirations in evidence. That is why the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games will take place this summer, from 23 July to 8 August 2021, in a particular context, a context within which we will prove our ability to overcome this covid-19 pandemic.
This winter, we shall mobilize ourselves so that we can at last we can see the light at the end of the tunnel in this difficult situation imposed by the health crisis. The Olympic Games are a critical moment to enhance sports and Olympic values. A pride for the world, and especially for the African continent in particular. We shall go to Tokyo without fear and full gear! We shall go to Tokyo with full knowledge of the facts, and above all very confident, because since the end of last year the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has put on a big spread so that this planetary rendezvous should be up to expectations.
The Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) stands behind the IOC and is committed to making the African participation a full success.
Together, we are going to promote the Olympic values and sustainable development, reinforce good governance in sports, protect athletes and contribute to their success through consistent involvement. All of these are based on a holistic approach that upholds solidarity and sharing.
To display this optimism, we are also saying that sports play a unique role in peace keeping and in the promotion of mutual respect. In fact, sport is a tool for the positive transformation of society and for galvanizing young African sportsmen and women.
Equal opportunities for men and women is also upheld by sports practices which actually impact the attainment of common objectives Women in sports benefit from a special care in ANOCA.
This is the guarantor of the success of the African Olympic and sports movement.
That is why we are saying « let’s be optimistic » and we shall make it.
Mustapha Berraf,
IOC Member,
President of ANOCA
