UNION AFRICAINE DE GYMNASTIQUE
The necessary correspondence, UAG commitment and full FIG support were transmitted to the
Organising Committee.
The unexpected disappointment remained dubious in light of the contradictory information coming
from COJAJ, who could offer no justifiable reason to support the decision. Furthermore,
international and continental figures in sport were called upon, in vain, to intercede on our
discipline's behalf with the Organising Committee.
2012
A
FRICAN
C
HAMPIONSHIPS IN
T
UNIS
As we have already said, Tunisia proved its expertise with organisation of the 11
th
Artistic
Gymnastics African Championships, running official international competitions since 2000 (5
th
African Championships in Gymnastics) and 2001 (Mediterranean Games). Well up to par with our
standards, the Sports Palace in El Minzah was an excellent backdrop for these MAG/WAG juniors
and seniors championships. From a purely technical point of view, the level reached in Namibia
was confirmed notably in the juniors categories, with progress in seniors. FIG President Prof.
Bruno Grandi, accompanied by FIG Vice-President Dr Michel Léglise in charge of anti-doping and
medical affairs, attended the Championships.
The commitment of FTG leaders, in constant communication with UAG and with traditional FIG
support, notably the 11
th
Championships, enabled the successful running of the competitions.
Just three months from Olympic kick-off in London, the championships were a chance for our
qualified MAG and WAG gymnasts to showcase their skill, despite a strong progression shown by
other gymnasts, particularly in juniors, who deserve special mention and encouragement to help
them persevere; they are our future, the worthy successors of those who brought the sport to our
continent.
The UAG paid tribute to the FIG leaders and federations present, and honoured gymnasts qualified
for the Olympic Games with personalised plaques.
INSTAURATION OF FIG DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES IN THE ZONES
The UAG 03 Zones shifted into high gear with the complete realisation of programmes mapped out
for each zone, under UAG Zone delegate leadership and direct FIG supervision. The financial aid
made available by FIG through its development programme and the meetings held to determine
work strategy were a lifesaver and spurred our federations on. FIG management and direct
supervision rendered operations in each zone more effective and efficient.
It would be impossible not to applaud FIG development activity in Africa; and given the success
and impact already seen in the younger categories and in coaches of every discipline, it is
important to reinforce this underlying energy and spread it further. Such is our wish and ambition.
We need to generate more means in order to reach more individuals through education and
development.
2015
A
FRICAN
G
AMES IN
C
ONGO
The next edition of the African Games is set for Congo, and we need to really think things through
in order to avoid the same issues we saw in Mozambique. The Ministry of Youth and Sport in
Congo, with whom we met at the General Assembly of the African Higher Sports Council in
Asmara (Eritrea) in April 2012, reassured us that funds will be disbursed for organisation of the
upcoming African Games in Brazzaville in 2015.
The President of the Gymnastics Federation of Congo, Mr François Bakana, is fully committed to
the organisation of these Games, the success of which also depends on the stability and approach
of his Executive Board. With a dynamic and optimistic attitude, Mr Bakana is evidence of the future
success gymnastics will have at the Games. He is supported by the UAG and Zone President, Ms
Albertine Concalvez, with Congo as an integral part of the Zone.
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UNION AFRICAINE DE GYMNASTIQUE