The Algerian Olympic Committee held an event to reconginse Para-sport in the country ©COA

The Algerian Olympic Committee (COA) held an event to reconginse Para-sport in the country.

The governing body used the occasion to pay tribute to several athletes, including Paralympic medallists from the African nation.

Former Presidents of the Algerian Disabled Sport Federation (FAH) were also singled out for praise.

The event took place at the Olympic and Sports Museum in capital city Algiers.

COA President Mustapha Berraf officially opened this facility in February. 

Rezgui Ali Nabaoui, Algeria's director general of people with a disability, was among those in attendance at the celebration. 

Olympic gold medallist Nouria Benida Merah was in attendance at the event ©Getty Images
Olympic gold medallist Nouria Benida Merah was in attendance at the event ©Getty Images

Mohamed Meridja, Nouria Benida Merah and Abdelhafid Izem, who are all vice presidents of the COA, were also present, alongside several representatives of the national sports movement.

Merah won the Olympic 1,500 metres title at the Sydney 2000 Games.

The event included an exhibition which was devoted to sport for people with a disability.

Algeria won two silver medals at the Rio 2016 Olympics in August, with middle distance runner Taoufik Makhloufi claiming both after finishing second in both the men's 800m and 1,500m.

Algiers is currently gearing up to host the 2018 African Youth Games. 

The 2021 Mediterranean Games will also be held in the country, in Oran.