52 countries are expected to attend the Games in Hammamet, Tunisia, and more than 1,100 athletes have confirmed their participation. 500 officials will be involved, while 300 volunteers have been mobilised for the event. The Yasmine Hammamet resort is set to welcome a host of dignitaries at the 2nd African Beach Games from 23 to 30 June 2023, for a highly intense celebration of African sport and Olympism.
The International Olympic Committee, the Director General of Olympic Solidarity and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Organising Committee are some of the Olympic institutions that will be among the distinguished guests alongside African and world sport greats.
An accreditation scheme for journalists has entered high gear and will run until 27 May 2023.
The mascot “Yoyo” has been unveiled. “Yoyo emerges from the seas and oceans of the continent in the form of a mosaic shell, a bouquet of jasmines in front, to welcome all of Africa to Yasmine Hammamet, thereby establishing the legendary hospitality of Tunisia, with its three thousand-year-old history, and which has always and forever been known as ‘Ifriqiya’’’. This is the story that inspired the creators of Yoyo, the mascot.
The clean-up operation of the Yasmine Hammamet beach was a success, prior to the installation of equipment and facilities required for the various specialities and events.
According to the Organising Committee, “Yoyo and Tunisia are poised to welcome guests from 54 countries of the continent and across the world for a mega sport, cultural and ecological festival“.
Less than a month to the start of the competition, the 2nd African Beach Games are already in full swing. For ANOCA President, the Honourable Mustapha Berraf, “Hammamet is fascinating even before the start of the 2nd African Beach Games, with the quality of preparations, the level of organisation and the popular aspect that herald a real celebration of African sport. It is a hectic schedule for African youths and, as we keep saying, they are our focal concern. These Games will be extraordinary for our African athletes, who will once again be at the heart of the action. It will also be a platform for promoting Olympic values and sustainable development. The decision taken by the African Olympic movement to organise the African Beach Games was a major move in favour of the continent’s youths. We were satisfied with the first edition and this second edition is simply at another level. For ANOCA, Hammamet will be a memorable success.”
The African Beach Games are held every 4 years. The schedule blends cultural and educational activities with the sports programme. The Hammamet edition will conform to the rule with a tailored organisation that includes all the tools needed to ensure that everyone has lasting memories to take home and is full of promise for the next edition.
ANOCA President, the Honourable Mustapha Berraf, once again: “The success of the African Beach Games, Hammamet 2023, will depend on our shared ability to foster solidarity. We have a special obligation to showcase our values on behalf of the athletes (the core of our Olympic Movement) and youths (the future)”.
