ACTUALITE |
20.07.2004
Athletics: Breaking New Ground
The Brazzaville 2004 14th African Athletics Championship ended successfully.
Over 40,000 spectators thronged the Alphonse Massamba Debat stadium last Sunday evening to extinguish the flame of Brazzaville 2004. The closing hours of the 14th African Athletics Championships left memorable foot prints for a future loaded with hopes of brightness. During four days the track and field carnival grouped the best and brightest in the Continent. A record 41 countries and over 400 athletes set ablaze the stadium in the true spirit of sports. Some records came tumbling down and the organisation left nothing to chance. The Confederation of African Athletics worked hand in glove with the local organising committee- COCAB, to ensure that the highest degree of sports ethics were upheld. The manpower and the equipment were of a quality that left no one in doubt as to the determination of all stake holders to place athletics on the continental pedestal.
In the track and field of action, it was evident that Athens 2004 was on everyone’s mind, athlete and trainer alike. Most actors used the event as a staging ground for rehearsal of tactics and an occasion to measure performances with others. The 4X400 metres relay teams however had a different agenda. The sixteen relay slots slated for Athens 2004 were to be permanently occupied by yesterday Monday July 20. Brazzaville 2004 was the last opportunity for African teams to improve performances and eventually pick one of the sixteen tickets.
As a qualification pedestal for Athens 2004 therefore, the 14th African Athletics Championships witnessed some tough and anxious moments with all contestants shooting for the stars. In the process, the quality of action in the field was of impressive standards. Spectators applauded every action in a manner reminiscent only of high velocity football encounters. The emergence of South Africa once more as the axis of African Athletics remained on the upward trend, since Abuja 2003. With the largest delegation in the Championhips, the South Africans took the baton of command early in the games and kept the flag flying to the end. The total thirty medals acquired by the South Africans during the four action packed days were in consonance with the efforts spent by the team.
Brazzaville virtually held its breath, throughout the 14th African Athletics Championship. All roads in the metropolis led to the Alphonse Massamba Debat Stadium and all movers and shakers in the city were involved in the collective resolve for a successful outcome. President Denis Sassou Nguesso was personally concerned in the general effort, receiving the hierachy of the Confederation of African Athletics three times in less than four days. The huge financial commitment of the congolese government ensured that athletes and officials got maximum comfort and facilities in lodging and feeding. For once, athletes were hosted in five star hotels instead of the traditional " games village". The Cameroon delegation took up residence at the Meridien Hotel alongside Nigeria, South Africa , Kenya and Egypt. Inspite of the anxiety over the delay in the arrival of stipends, the athletes gave their all to pick five medals and occupy the 12th position on the classification table. The injection of budding talents into the group gave fresh impetus to goals and objectives. Françoise Mbango`s absence Mireille Nguimgo`s injury caused some uneasiness but did not dent the resolve of the upcoming green horns to go through the litmus test.
All said, Brazzaville 2004 met its stated goals in marketing, sponsoring and the beaming of the action on the ground to television channels throughout the Continent. As host, Congo stood the test and set higher standards for future rendez-vous.
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Hits: 1 | Source:cameroon-tribune.cm | |
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