By Paul Osborne

ANOCA has launched a call for bids to host the 2017 and 2021 African Youth Games ©ANOCAJanuary 11 - The Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) has launched a call for bids to its 54 National Olympic Committees to host the third and fourth edition of the African Youth Games.


With the 2014 Youth Games already set for Gaborone, Botswana, ANOCA are now looking for hosts to come forward and bid for the Games in 2017 and 2021.

ANOCA published the specifications and bidding procedure for the two editions in December last year and has reiterated its calls for bids with the deadline for the submission of bids and letters of guarantee just three weeks away (February 1).

The African Youth Games are a relatively new addition to the sports calendar in Africa with the inaugural event being held from July 13 until 18, 2010 in Rabat, Morocco.

Meant for young people aged 14 to 18, the African Youth Games are a multi-sport event featuring a sports programme with 20 compulsory sports and a number of optional sports disciplines.

The 2014 African Youth Games are set to be held in Gaborone, Botswana ©Gaborone2014The 2014 African Youth Games are set to be held in Gaborone, Botswana ©Gaborone2014



The Games were designed with the aims of; offering African athletes a platform to prepare for the Olympic Games; contributing to the development of African sport; fostering Olympic values on the continent; and professionalising the organisation of sports competitions in Africa.

Following the submission deadline of February 1, ANOCA is expected to carry out an evaluation of each bid by February 18 followed by inspection tours of each bidding city.

A report of each city will then be put together by the ANOCA Executive Committee with a final decision due to be made on March 20.

The chosen host country and National Olympic Committee will then sign a Protocol Agreement of March 30 to finalise the agreement with ANOCA.

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