13th African Games Kicks Off in Accra, Ghana under the theme “Experience the African Dream”.
The 13th African Games kicked off with a spectacular official opening ceremony in Accra, the capital of Ghana, on Friday night – 8th March 2024, bringing together tens of thousands of athletes, officials, and sports fans across the continent to celebrate the prestigious event.
The ceremony which held at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium in Accra, Ghana brought together Heads of State, high level dignitaries, athletes, officials and spectators from across the continent to mark the commencement of this awaited special event.
The African Games brings together athletes from across the continent every four years. And the event is intended to showcase athletic talent, celebrate African cultural values and heritage, and promote solidarity, and integration. The theme for this year’s 13th African Games is “Experience the African Dream”.
The opening ceremony of the African Games was graced by H.E. Nana Akufo Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana; H.E Moussa Faki Mahamat, the Chairperson of African Union Commission; H.E. Amb. Minata SAMATE CESSOUMA, Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development (HHS) at the African Union Commission and a host of other dignitaries.
In his opening remarks, Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo said the Games presented an opportunity for Africa to use sports to unite the continent.
“The African Games is a celebration of unity, sportsmanship, and excellence across the African continent. As we gather here today, we embark on a journey of challenge and competition where nations come together to showcase the remarkable talents and spirit in us as Africans,” the president said.
“We cherish diversity and recognize the strength it brings to our collective identity. Let us cherish the unique contributions of each nation represented here today. As we embrace our differences, we will surely come together as one African family,” Akufo-Addo added.
The 13th African Games under the theme “Experience the African Dream” was marked by the participation of over 4,000 athletes competing in 29 sports disciplines, eight qualifying to the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.
