Oleg Matytsin, Russia’s Minister of Sports, stated that increasing cooperation with African countries in high-performance and mass sports would help to bridge the gap between Russia and Africa.
Matytsin made the remarks in a statement issued on Monday by Roscongress, the organisers of the Second Russia-Africa Summit 2023.
He stated that the World Friendship Games, educational activities, and collaborative training camps may help achieve this.
Matytsin made the statements during a panel discussion titled “Sport: A Bridge of Friendship Between Russia and Africa” at the Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum in St. Petersburg, Russia.
“Today, Russia is ready to offer African countries a smart, competitive sports strategy, as well as a road map for its implementation.”
“We propose expanding and organising joint training camps at Russian federal sports bases, conducting educational programmes for African specialists, and sending Russian coaches to prepare African athletes for major international competitions.”
“Nelson Mandela, a great sports enthusiast and a great man, famously said: “Sport has the potential to transform the world.” Sport has the ability to motivate and inspire people.
“It has the ability to bring people together in ways that few other things can.” It speaks to young people in their language. It laughs at all forms of discrimination,” Matytsin stated.
The Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation’s President, Irina Viner, has indicated willingness to collaborate with African athletes.
“Africa is critical to us right now.” It is a continent full of talented athletes. Sports, notably rhythmic gymnastics, have a lot of potential there.
“I’ve always wanted a girl from Africa on my team.” “We can share our sports development theories and practises,” Viner remarked.
Sport, according to Umar Kremlev, President of the International Boxing Association, should bring people together.
“Taking an athlete’s flag away humiliates them because athletes compete on behalf of their nations.”
“He is filled with pride because the national anthem is playing and the flag is being raised.” “Let us be serious about our responsibilities,” Kremlev remarked.
The World Friendship Games, according to Alexey Sorokin, Head of the Organising Committee, would be a large-scale competition in which all athletes will compete under the flags of their respective countries.
“We sense a demand for new competitions in which slogans and politics have no place, where it is all about sport.” That is why we created the Friendship Games, a multi-sport tournament featuring 27 different athletic disciplines.
“These competitions will bring together all countries that wish to participate, regardless of political affiliation.” In these Games, the only criterion is athletic achievement.
“This is not a replacement for existing formats, but rather a powerful addition to them with a sizable prize fund.” “The tournament will take place in Moscow and St. Petersburg from September 15 to September 29, 2024,” Sorokin added.
The Russian Olympic Committee’s President, Stanislav Pozdnyakov, was adamant that sport could help eliminate discrimination.
“Sport is one of the most important components of our countries’ humanitarian cooperation.”
“Russia, as a trendsetter in sports, is always willing to share its practises.” In this section, it is clear that a friend in need is evident not just through their words, but also by their acts.
“We now know who our true friends are and who has been pretending to be,” Pozdnyakov explained.
The Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association’s President, Adam Mthethwa, believed that Russia has extensive experience in training athletes.
“Collaboration with Russia inspires our athletes because your country is known for outstanding sporting achievements.”
“When Namibia was still in the process of gaining independence, Russia stood by us as a friend.” And we appreciate it greatly.
“When we gained our independence, Russia supported us as well.” And this friendship has lasted a long time,” Namibia National Olympic Committee President Abner Xoagub stated.
“Our dream is to win medals at the Olympics through cooperation with Russia,” Alioune Traore, Technical Director of the Malian National Olympic Committee, said. I am hopeful that Russia will assist us in accomplishing this goal.
