Africa takes centrestage at Youth Olympic Village

Africa was the theme at the Nanjing Youth Olympic Village yesterday with a total of 53 booths exhibiting the cultures of each African nation at the World Culture Village, including West African nations hit by the outbreak of the Ebola virus that has claimed over 1,200 lives.

While the teams from Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria have withdrawn from the Nanjing Youth Olympic Games (YOG), athletes from other African nations mixed freely in the Youth Olympic Village with their counterparts from the other participating nations.

“It is wonderful that the entire Village is transformed into a little African town today,” said Ivory Coast team official Mamadou Ballo, who soaked in the atmosphere.

“It makes our athletes feel welcomed, and helps reduce any animosity between us and those from other countries. Everyone is having so much fun today.”

From learning how to play the drums, making fashion accessories out of rubber bands, learning about African festivities and art and craft, the Village was a hubbub of activities. Said Saliou Ndiaye, a judoka from Senegal: “It is a very nice atmosphere here at the Youth Olympics. There is no problem at all.”

For Gaspar Matala, chef de mission for Equatorial Guinea, the notion he holds strong is “everybody is one here”.

“I tell people I am not from West Africa when they ask me. I am from Central Africa. Sickness is different, but not all of us are sick,” said Matala.

“The medical checks have been conducted for all of us who come from Africa, and those who were suspected were sent home. I think the other athletes and officials know that, so they are not worried anymore.” ADELENE WONG