Thomas Bach begins his farewell to the IOC with a tour of Africa
Juan José Saldaña
October 21, 2024

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach visited South Africa as part of his farewell tour across Africa. The purpose of this tour is to strengthen the IOC’s ties with Africa. In Johannesburg, Bach was welcomed by prominent sports figures such as Barry Hendricks, President of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC), and Mustapha Berraf, President of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA).

During his visit, Bach participated in the “Indaba“, a meeting with South African athletes where the results and lessons from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games were discussed. In a dynamic Q&A session, topics ranged from athlete protection to the possibility of future Olympic Games in Africa. In this context, Bach expressed his admiration for the growth of sports on the continent, stating: “Africa is on the rise, and South Africa has the stability, infrastructure, and vision to host an Olympic Games.”

ITS PROXIMITY TO SOUTH AFRICA

In addition to engaging with the athletes, Bach held meetings with the SASCOC Board of Directors and national federation leaders, whom he congratulated for their success at the recent Olympic Games: “I am very pleased to see SASCOC in calm waters while making very dynamic progress,” said Bach, praising the close relationship between the athletes and the South African committee, as well as the promotion of Olympic values.

At the official dinner with SASCOC members and the Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, the unifying role of sports in South Africa was highlighted. McKenzie took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, and stressed that his country is ready to support the success of this event “for the African continent.” Bach’s visit also included a tour of Nelson Mandela’s house in Soweto, as well as a visit to the Nelson Mandela Foundation, where he learned more about the former South African president’s legacy.

The IOC president also had a phone conversation with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, during which they discussed the current geopolitical situation and its impact on global sports. Bach highlighted: “South Africa doubled its Olympic medal count between Tokyo and Paris, which is a clear sign of its success and growth.”

Thomas Bach concluded his visit by reaffirming his commitment to the development of sports in Africa and emphasizing the importance of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games: “The hosting of these Games underscores Africa’s significance in the Olympic movement, and I will continue to support this development until the very last day of my mandate,” the IOC president concluded, marking one of his final official tours before his term ends in 2025.

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