Côte d'Ivoire's Minister of Sports, Adjé Silas Metch, has praised the country's university athletes for their impressive performance at the 12th African University Games held in Cairo, Egypt. The Ivorian delegation, consisting of five athletes, returned home with six bronze medals. The athletes, all students at the National Institute of Youth and Sports in Abidjan, competed in the athletics discipline. Minister Metch received the delegation at his office in Abidjan, commending their resilience and combativeness.
The Ivorian athletes, comprising one female and four males, excelled in various events, with Aude Bogui winning two bronze medals in the 100m and 200m races. The four male athletes each secured a medal in the 4x100m relay. Minister Metch expressed his gratitude to the athletes for flying the national flag high on the African university stage. He attributed their success to the vision of President Alassane Ouattara, who has prioritized sports development and infrastructure growth.
Minister Metch dedicated the athletes' performance to President Ouattara, citing his inspiring leadership and vision for sports in Côte d'Ivoire. The minister emphasized that the six bronze medals signify the country's vast potential in university sports. He encouraged the athletes to view their achievement as a stepping stone for future success, urging them to work harder and aim for higher goals.
The minister highlighted upcoming international sporting events, including the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar and the next edition of the African University Games. He challenged the athletes to build on their experience and strive for excellence. Aude Bogui, the double medalist and spokesperson for the team, expressed gratitude for the support and resources provided by the government.
Bogui emphasized the collective nature of their success, stating that the medals belong not only to the athletes but also to the entire nation. She reiterated the team's commitment to continuing their progress and contributing to Côte d'Ivoire's international reputation through sports. The athletes also called for increased support for the Ivorian Office of School and University Sports.
Roland N'gbofai, the team's leader and technical advisor to Minister Metch, acknowledged the challenges faced during the competition but praised the athletes' determination. The Ivorian delegation's participation in the African University Games was organized by the Ivorian Office of School and University Sports. The athletes' achievements have been hailed as a significant milestone for university sports in Côte d'Ivoire.
The reception for the athletes at the Minister's office was an opportunity to celebrate their achievements and reaffirm the government's commitment to supporting university sports. The Ivorian government has been investing in sports infrastructure and development programs, aiming to promote the country's athletic talent. The athletes' success is seen as a testament to the effectiveness of these initiatives.
Key points
- Côte d'Ivoire's university athletes won 6 bronze medals at the 12th African University Games in Egypt.
- The athletes were honored by Minister of Sports Adjé Silas Metch at his office in Abidjan.
- The Ivorian delegation was made up of students from the National Institute of Youth and Sports in Abidjan.
