With just a few weeks to go before the Games kick off, the number of participating countries has risen to 53. This is a record participation compared with the first edition, which brought together 42 countries.
30 events are also on schedule and the competition will run from 23 to 30 June 2023 in Hammamet, Tunisia. The 30 men’s and women’s events will be spread over 16 disciplines, including two demonstration events.
Tunisia features first among the delegations to take part in several disciplines (28 in all), followed by Algeria (represented in 26 events).
More than 1,100 athletes, 500 officials and 300 volunteers will be mobilised, in addition to accompanying staff and technicians.
Among the key sports eagerly awaited is beach soccer in the men’s and women’s categories. According to Beach Soccer Worldwide, three countries will be sending strong delegations to promote this sport: Tunisia, the host country, and the two African representatives at the World Cup, Senegal and Egypt.
Speaking about the event, Beach Soccer Worldwide President, Joan Cusco, said that an event on the wonderful continent of Africa is always special, and that it is another demonstration of their commitment to develop the sport in Africa. He expressed gratitude to ANOCA, noting that they were eagerly looking forward to this year’s celebration of sport, the African Beach Games.
It should be recalled that the national team of Senegal carried the day in beach soccer during the maiden edition of the African Beach Games held in Sal, Cape Verde, in 2019. Senegal will thus be defending their title in Hammamet.
The African Beach Games are qualifiers for the World Beach Games billed for Bali, Indonesia, from 5 to 12 August 2023.
All these competitions will also serve as a springboard for African athletes to prepare for the Beach Soccer World Cup in Dubai in December.
For ANOCA, the umbrella Association of the 54 National Olympic Committees of Africa, “Hammamet promises to be a resounding success.”
ANOCA President, the Honourable Mustapha Berraf, furthers:
“We will be there calmly and serenely as we have already broken the first record, with the expected participation of 53 out of the 54 NOCs. The Yasmine Hammamet resort will reflect our meticulous and successful preparation, which ANOCA is proud of!”
Among the dignitaries expected to attend are an IOC delegation, the ANOCA President, ANOCA Executive Committee members, IOC members in Africa and African Sports Ministers.
The opening ceremony of the competition will coincide with Olympic Day, which African National Olympic Committees will be celebrating together on 23 June. ANOCA will also hold its annual General Assembly the day before. What a great opportunity to disseminate Olympic values!
