All African Games
The African Games, also known as the All-Africa Games or the Pan African Games, and popularly known as the “African Olympics”, is a major continental multi-sport event for athletes from nations of Africa, officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee, and held every four years.
One of the most spectacular and successful expressions of African sport, AAG was conceived as early as in 1920 by Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the Modern Olympics. The colonial powers resented the idea fearing the unifying aspect of sports among african people. The games were finally launched in 1965 two years after the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). The All Africa Games, therefore, have huge significance for the African continent not just as a platform for showcasing African sporting talent but in terms of their portrayal of African aspirations for freedom, unity and independence.
All-Africa games began as a measure to promote unity and solidarity among African nations and now have developed into cultural celebrations whose influence is being felt throughout Africa. These games have the potential to develop as a window into the brightness and riches of African culture and showcase its love for pleasure and healthy competition.
