Minister of Sport and Recreation South Africa, Mr. Fikile Mbalula, is currently in Moscow, Russia, attending the XVIII General Assembly of Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC). Minister Mbalula is part of the 1 000 leaders of the Olympic Movement from over 205 countries meeting for the second time in the ANOC history. The assembly started on the 16th and will end on 17 April 2012, at the World Trade Centre, Moscow.
The General Assembly is chaired by HE Sheikh Ahmad al-Fahad Al-Sabah, the newly elected President of ANOC. HE Sheikh Ahmad is a Member of the International Olympic Committee and also the President of the Olympic Council of Asia. President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) HE Dr. Jaques Rogge, leaders of National Olympic Committees and Sports Ministers from various countries as well as Presidents and representatives of International Federations are among the participants.
The main purpose of the Assembly is to grant the opportunity to the National Olympic Committees from five continents to exchange views and opinions in making the Olympic Movement stronger and protect the interest of the athletes who are the pillars of the Olympic Movement. ANOC General Assemblies take place every two years.
Minister Mbalula is accompanied to the General Assembly by Sascoc President and Chief Executive Officer Gideon Sam and Tubby Reddy respectively. South Africa made presentations through Sascoc President Gideon Sam, who presented on 'Sport and the Olympic Movement including attracting and maximizing major events as catalysts for development' and IOC Executive Board member Dr. Sam Ramsamy also made a presentation on 'The development of collaborative public policy linking the benefits of sports to education and health'.
Minister Mbalula and Sascoc's Gideon Sam met with ANOC President HE Sheikh Ahmad al-Fahad Al-Sabah to discuss amongst others, the strengthening of the Olympic movement in Africa. "South Africa is one of the most strategic partners in the success of Olympic movement in the continent. Sheik shared his vision with us about Olympic development in Africa." Minister Mbalula said.
Minister Mbalula also congratulated Sheik on his election as the ANOC President. Sheik stated that South Africa remains a strategic role player in the advancement of sport and athlete development in the continent of Africa.
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Minister Mbalula attends Olympic Assembly
