Thursday 13 June 2013

ECOWAS charges member on traditional sports

The ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Gender, Dr. Adrienne Diop has urged member states to promote the capacity development of trainers and referees at the national level to complement the efforts of the ECOWAS Youth Sports and Development Centre (EYSDC) at ensuring the growth of African wrestling.
In the speech read by the EYSDC Director, Mr. Francis Njoaguani, the commissioner also called on all stakeholders to embrace the commission’s passion for traditional sports by protecting the legacy of the game.
On his part, Niger’s Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Kounou Hassane, described the ECOWAS Traditional Wrestling Tournament (TOLAC) as a platform to showcase Africa’s rich cultural values.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 9th edition of the tournament in Niamey, the Minister traced the principles of traditional wrestling to the values of tolerance, fraternity, friendliness, solidarity, accord and courage, often displayed in village squares, market places and African streets.
He called on both athletes and officials to bear these in mind so as to ensure the success of the yearly competition that gathers traditional wrestlers from ECOWAS member states.

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