The Algerian Olympic Committee (COA) has played host to "Sport-South" Olympic Week in Ouargla ©COA

The Algerian Olympic Committee (COA) has played host to "Sport-South" Olympic Week in Ouargla, which is said to provide an opportunity to consolidate the spirit of citizenship and social solidarity in accordance with universal Olympic and sport values.

Almost 1,000 young athletes, representing 13 provinces in the south of Algeria, took part in the seven sports on the programme - handball, judo, athletics, table tennis, swimming, beach volleyball and karate - as well as the cultural activities on offer.

Organised in collaboration with the Youth and Sports department, the event was officially declared open at the Complexe Sportif Rouissat where Minister of Youth and Sports El Hadi Ould Ali was in attendance along with COA President Mustapha Berraf and Ouargla Governor Saâd Agoudjil.

Berraf gave assurances that all required resources have been mobilised to promote sport in the south of Algeria, particularly through the mentoring of youth.

Algerian Olympic medal-winning judoka Amar Benikhlef was among those in attendance at the
Algerian Olympic medal-winning judoka Amar Benikhlef was among those in attendance at the "Sport-South" Olympic Week ©COA

He described the event as an opportunity to promote sports activities and for young athletes to meet, while stressing the importance of adhering to Olympic values and respect for sportsmanship among participants.

Several athletes were also present, including Beijing 2008 Olympic medal-winning judokas Soraya Haddad and Amar Benikhlef.

Haddad won bronze in the women’s under 52 kilogram category, while Benikhlef claimed silver in the men’s under 90kg class.

Olympic runner Ali Saïdi-Sief, who finished runner-up in the men’s 5,000 metres at Sydney 2000, added to the star-studded line-up.