Cote d'Ivoire offers to host 3rd ECOWAS Games

Accra, Ghana (PANA) - Cote d’Ivoire has officially offered to host the 3rd ECOWAS Under-23 Games in 2014, as the 2nd edition of the regional biennial competition being hosted by Ghana in the capital, Accra, gradually winds to a close Friday.

Mr. Francis Njoaguani, Director of the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre, which is coordinating the Games on behalf of the ECOWAS Commission, confirmed receipt of the formal offer letter from the Ivorian Embassy in Ghana.

An ECOWAS Commission statement obtained by PANA Thursday quoted Mr. Njoaguani as saying the Commission and its partners would take a final decision on the offer at a date yet to be specified.

The ECOWAS official explained that two other member states had also expressed interest to host the Games, evidence of the competition's growing popularity and interest.

“This shows the high level of enthusiasm generated by the Games among our Member States and community citizens,” Mr. Njoaguani said. “This is good for the Games, the growth of sports and youth development and empowerment in our region.”

Organisers said the regional Games serve as catalyst for peace, unity, regional integration, as well as sports and youth development.

More than 2,500 sports men and women, coaches, handlers and officials from 11 of the 15 member states are taking part in the week-long competition featuring athletics, handball, volleyball, African wrestling and boxing.

Nigeria hosted and won the inaugural edition of the games in the capital city of Abuja in 2010.
-0- PANA SEG 21June2012