Paddlers made their mark at the first-ever African School Games as Canoe Slalom and Canoe Ocean Racing helped to make history and establish a legacy in Algeria.
Around 1,700 athletes participated across 25 disciplines in this historic edition of the Games as competition was staged in four cities in East Algeria.
The African School Games was launched following a Memorandum of Understanding between the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa and the International School Sport Federation.
With the support of the International Olympic Committee, the Games aim to prepare young African athletes for major international competitions.
Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Suden and Tunisia were represented in the two paddle sport disciplines with 12 boys and six girls competing across Canoe Slalom and Canoe Ocean Racing.
Algerian duo Mohamed Radik Beneddine and Aya Rebouh came out on top in the respective men’s and women’s Canoe Ocean Racing finals.
Canoe Slalom was played out in the obstacle format used at the Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018 as hosts Algeria struck twice again, with Ahmed Larbes and Maroua Yourmouche topping the podium in the men’s and women’s finals, respectively.
The Canoe Ocean Racing competition saw paddlers utilise the 30 boats that had been donated by the International Canoe Federation and the Confederation of African Canoeing (CAC).
The legacy project was proposed by the ICF's development department for the CAC to present to the National Federation.
“These boats not only made the competition possible but will also remain in Algeria as a legacy of the Games, forming the basis of a long-term project to introduce and encourage Algerian youth to take up paddle sport,” said CAC Secretary General Ahmed Mahamoud Abdoulkader.
“The inclusion of canoeing in multi-sport games in Africa is vital for increasing the sport’s visibility, inspiring young athletes, and encouraging more NOCs to engage in our activities – ultimately giving canoeing greater importance on the continent.
“One particularly inspiring success story came from Sudan as two young athletes from Port Sudan participated in both competitions, marking their country’s first appearance in a canoeing event since 2019.
“Training at the Port Sudan Africa Club, they achieved excellent results and showcased remarkable talent.
“Their journey demonstrates how exposure to such events can spark lasting enthusiasm and development in emerging canoeing nations.”
ICF Vice President Cecilia Farias added: ""Working in collaboration with CAC, it is fantastic to see our legacy project in action with paddlers benefitting the boats we donated to Algeria.
"As we strive to grow the sport globally and strengthen gender equity, it is crucial that we support developing countries like Algeria and increase opportunities for young talent in the African continent.
"With the input of the Continental Associations, we are able to identify where we need to intervene and support accordingly. It is an essential partnership in the development of our sport worldwide."
After the Games, Mr Mahamoud Abdoulkader met with officials from the Algerian Canoe Federation to outline their development plans.
As part of those efforts, the National Federation is set to establish criteria for boat distribution, send out boats to various Wilayas and identify clubs and leagues within the country.
There are plans to expand to 12 clubs in Algeria, each with around eight paddlers in the U15 category that can train during school holidays or weekends.
“We succeeded in creating an emotional connection not only among the participants but also between the athletes and the public,” added Mr Mahamoud Abdoulkader.
“The inclusion of canoeing in an African multi-sport event helps to raise awareness among Governmental authorities and the African Olympic and Sports Movement about the need to invest in our sport.
“Africa is a young continent with natural resources and talented youth – but we must invest more to harness these strengths.
“These Games have shown what we can achieve and have opened the way for future participation with pride and dignity.”
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