VATICAN CITY SEPTEMBER 8, 2015 (CISA) – Pope Francis on September 6 sent good wishes to the All Africa Games currently taking place in Congo Brazzaville.
“Two days ago the eleventh Africa games opened in Brazzaville, capital of the Republic of Congo, involving thousands of athletes from all over the (African) continent,” stated Pope Francis during his Sunday Angelus.
“I hope that this great sports festival will contribute to peace, brotherhood and the development of all countries of Africa. We greet the Africans who are participating in these games,” he added.
The Pope’s message comes at a time when he is preparing for his first visit to Africa in November which will see him visit Kenya, Uganda and the Central African Republic.
The All-Africa Games (AAG), are a continental multi-sports event held every four years, a year before the Olympic Games.
Africa’s 54 countries are currently taking part in the games which started on September 4 and which will go on until September 19 in Congo Brazzaville the place known as the birth place of the All-Africa Games.
The games were officially opened by President Denis Sassou Nguesso of Republic of the Congo in the purpose-built Kintele Stadium and are being held under the support of the African Union (AU) which is celebrating its golden anniversary as an organization.
Over 7,000 athletes are competing in over 20 sports disciplines that include Athletics, Basketball, Boxing, Fencing, Gymnastics, Weightlifting, Karate, Judo, Swimming, Taekwondo, table Tennis and Beach Volleyball among others.
