Rabat - The first African Youth Games (under 17) closed, on Sunday in Bouznika ( 35km south of Rabat), following six days of competitions in 16 Olympic sports.

"These Games took place in an atmosphere of peace, friendship and harmony," Sports and Youth Minister Moncef Belkhayat said at the closing ceremony, during which medals were awarded to winners. He said the continental event was an opportunity to stress the role of sports as a unifying, inspirational and liberating force.The games, held on July 13-18, brought together

some 1,500 athletes from 41 countries who competed in several Olympic sports including football, basketball, tennis table, cycling, boxing, rowing, swimming, judo, weightlifting, taekwondo, fencing, shooting, athletics, wrestling, tennis and canoeing.

In addition to Rabat, the competitions also took place in the cities of Salé, Casablanca, Mohammedia, Bouznika, Temara, Sidi Allal Bahraoui and Khemisset.
The organization of this big event falls within the framework of the national new sports strategy which puts hosting regional, continental and international sports competitions on top of its priorities.