IAAF President Lamine Diack opens AIPS Africa Congress in Dakar

AIPS Africa’s efforts to boost sports journalism in Africa was recognised at the opening ceremony of the AIPS Africa Congress in Dakar, which was opened on Wednesday (19) by Senegal’s sports minister Mbagnick Ndiaye and IAAF President Lamine Diack.

The congress, which was being held in the Senegalese capital for the second year in succession, was also attended by AIPS president Gianni Merlo, NBA Africa president Amadou Gallo Fall and several other leaders of sports federations.

Held at the Jardin Savana hotel, 63 delegates from a record 23 countries attended the opening ceremony.

“We acknowledge your strides in giving the association new impetus,” said Ndiaye. “The sports press plays an important role in information dissemination – be it the media or the local and international federations.”

“We are now facing a new challenge – the introduction of the so called new media,” added Merlo in his keynote speech. “Sport is the biggest industry in the world and we have to save sport as it gives hope to the young generation of the world.”

IAAF