The President of ANOCA says more focus should be paid to the sports media in Africa

More focus should be paid to the sports media in Africa. It takes part in promoting African sport in the international sports community.

Sports journalists are unquestionably our everyday buddies and companions at all continental and international sporting events.

We are really grateful for the part that sports journalists have played in the coverage of the Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2020 or the Olympic Winter Games in Beijing in 2022.

The sports media was always present at these tournaments, despite the challenges brought on by the virulent Covid-19 outbreak.

We must not lose sight of the hard work that these professionals put in every day in the 54 nations on the continent where the National Olympic and Sports Committees are active.

These organizations are responsible for maintaining proper and effective press relations with the sports journalists in their respective nations.

The African sports media must provide these Olympic events its own unique perspective as Africa prepares to host important international contests.

We rely on you to continue presenting a picture of a sporting Africa that triumphs even through its press and media.

The material provided in the reports, memoirs, analyses, and opinions by sports journalists who consistently shown a high degree of professionalism during tournaments has been very helpful to African youngsters.

ANOCA extends its sincere congratulations to all of these journalists for overcoming numerous obstacles to inform the public, especially members of the Olympic and Sports Movement, in real time.

The sports media must adapt its mindset in light of the information distortions that lead to fake news, and sport is no exception. This is made necessary by the development of digital technology.

But sports writers, who are also our friends and brothers, must fully understand the stakes and carry on with their work in accordance with moral standards.

On this World Sports Press Day, we have your back.

President of ANOCA and member of the IOC Mustapha Berraf