The second National Algerian Athletes’ Forum was held at the COA in December ©Olympic

The second National Algerian Athletes’ Forum, organised by the Algerian National Olympic Committee (COA), saw a variety of athletes’ issues discussed.

The forum was officially opened by COA President Mustafa Berraf and was attended by former athletes such as Olympic 1500 metres gold medallists Hassiba Boulmerka and Noureddine Morceli, winners at Barcelona 1992 and Atlanta 1996 respectively. 

They were joined Sydney 2000 medallists Abderrahmane Hammad, bronze in high jump, Ali Saïdi-Sief, silver in the 5,000m, and Mohamed Allalou, bronze in light welterweight boxing.

Among the active athletes present were Beijing 2008 judo bronze medallist Soraya Haddad, decathlete Larbi Bourrada and light flyweight boxer Mohammed Flissi.

Olympic gold medallist Nourredine Morceli received an Olympic Order of Merit from the COA ©Getty Images
Olympic gold medallist Nourredine Morceli received an Olympic Order of Merit from the COA ©Getty Images

Former International Swimming Federation President and honorary International Olympic Committee member Mustapha Larfaoui was also in attendance along with former gymnast Mohamed Lazhari-Yamani, who, at Tokyo 1964, became Algeria’s first-ever Olympic athlete.

Lazhari-Yamani had represented France prior to 1964.

This second edition of the National Algerian Athletes’ Forum addressed topics related to the lives of athletes both during and after their sports careers.

The meeting focused on, athletes’ rights and duties, athlete career changes, communication, athlete-media relations and doping.

 In addition to the forum, Morceli was awarded the Olympic Order of Merit by the COA.