Mr. Sammy Retta, President & CEO, African Sport Promotion PLC
WHEN it was formed in 1963, after the few African countries gained independence from the colonial powers, the Organization of African Unity now African Union or AU was hosted at Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia, under the country’s then monarch King Haile Selassie. This year 2013, the African Union (AU) is celebrating its 50th years anniversary.
Plan is underway to bring over most current “IBF Africa, Middle East and Persian Gulf” champions over to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to take part in the African Union 50th years Anniversary celebrations. This gesture by both the event’s organizers led by Mr. Sammy Retta of the African Sport Promotion PLC and the AU to IBF/AFRICA, came about after major development initiatives in “African boxing fraternity” since IBF/AFRICA’s inception in 2000”. The tournament is dubbed, “Campaign to raise awareness for peace in the horn of Africa” (Somalia, Sudan and Southern Sudan).
This event is happening exactly 33 years since “IBF” sanctioned the first black South African boxer Welcome Ncita in 1980 to vie for its “world featherweight title” making it “the first sanction body in the world to break the color ban” in the then “apartheid South Africa”. So, after fighting against racial discrimination, now “IBF” it is fighting for peace in the African continent” when it rallies all its Africa, Middle East and Persian Gulf champions in the biggest cause in history.
In order to make this event succesful, African Union (AU) has appointed its Director for Peace and Security Mr. El Ghassim Wane to supervise the implementation of this tournament and report to H.E Erastus Mwencha, Deputy Vice Chairperson of African Union Commission and Chair of the Organizing Committee of the 50th Anniversary Celebrations.
“Boxing is a popular sport in Africa and the rest of the world, we have no doubt that the message of peace, solidarity and unity being conveyed throughout the continent in particular those countries emerging from conflicts such as Somalia, Sudan and Southern Sudan will find attentive audience in Africa and beyond through this event” said H.E. Erastus Mwencha, Deputy Vice Chairperson of African Union Commission, Chair of theOrganizing Committee of the 50th Anniversary Celebration in his letter of suppor
A long list of IBF/AFRICA champions to feature in this colorful event will be announced during the “Press Conference” plannned to take place at the newly inaugurated “AU Headquarters” in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 6 May, 2013.
Nothing is more “IMPORTANT” as Africans from all walks of life enjoy the fruits of their independence as this has largely been proven by development initiatives undertaken for the continent in the past 50 years. This event put IBF way ahead of the troop as it consolidates its grip on the African boxing fraternity and proves its “Top Dog” status as far as boxing as a professional sport is concern.
Watch this space for more news!!!!
ISSUED BY: INTERNATIONAL BOXING FEDERATION AFRICA (IBF/AFRICA)
DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA