The capital city of Algeria was announced as the hosts of the third edition of the Games in March 2014, before officially confirming its commitment at a special signing ceremony during last year’s event in Gaborone, Botswana.

Among those in attendance at the Executive Committee meeting in Algiers was Mustapha Berraf, President of the Algerian Olympic Committee (COA), and his ANOCA counterpart Lassana Palenfo, both of whom signed the hosting agreement last May.

"Our country will mobilise all resources to ensure the success of this great event," said Ould Ali.

"These Games are an opportunity for our youth to express their talents and realise the best fundamental objectives on which these Games are built."

Algeria’s bid for the Games was described as “impeccable” by Palenfo when confirming Algiers as hosts.

It came on the back of successful bids for other major sporting events, including those for the 1978 and 2007 editions of the All-African Games, the 1975 Mediterranean Games and the 1990 African Cup of Nations football tournament, which was won by the host country.

"This great event reinforces the strategy put in place by our nation in favour of building African sport in compliance with the commitments and in terms of specification, linking ANOCA and the COA," said Berraf.

"Algeria, through its national authorities and the sports movement, reiterated its unwavering commitment to the success of this great sporting event.

"It is important for our young athletes, who are the guarantors of the future of our continent, especially with it being two years prior to the 2020 Olympic Games."

Palenfo congratulated Algeria after securing the hosting rights to the 2021 Mediterranean Games (JM-2021), which will be staged in the city of Oran.

The International Mediterranean Games Committee, chaired by Algeria's Amar Addadi, confirmed the decision for the 19th edition of the Games at its General Assembly in Pescara, Italy in August.

"We believe that the JM-2021 will be a great celebration of sport and youth like the 1975 Games that were a complete success," he said.

Palenfo also expressed his appreciation for the achievements of Algerian athletes at the 2015 All-Africa Games, held last month in the Republic of Congo’s capital Brazzaville.

"Algeria is again ranked among the top overall," he added.

"The gold medals of the young Algerian swimmer Majda Chebaraka in the 800 metres and 1,500m freestyle is a tell-tale sign of Algeria’s lucid and good sports policy directed towards young talent."

As part of the trip to Algiers, members of the ANOCA Executive Board visited some of the venues scheduled to host competitions during the 2018 African Youth Games.



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