FISA Development Consultant returns from visit to Algeria

Michel Doutre, the FISA Development Consultant for French Speaking Africa and member of the Umpires Commission has just returned from a very successful trip in Algeria.  The purpose of the visit was to work with the both the Algerian Rowing Federation, Algerian Olympic Committee and the Organizers of the 2003 Pan Arab

Future international umpires in Algeria

Games which will take place in Alger in September of this year.  A successful course for 15 umpires also took place during the visit.  These umpires are preparing for their roles in the upcoming Pan Arab Games.

During his trip, Mr. Doutre had the chance to meet with the President of the Organizing Committee for the Pan Arab Games in 2003, Mr. Djafar Ifsah. He called on the Algerian Rowing Federation to put in place the necessary steps for the event.

Mr. Ifsah confirmed that Algeria had been officially designated as the site for the 2007 All African Games.  It is  important for FISA and for the sport of rowing in Africa that rowing is included in the African Games. If rowing proves to be successful in the Pan Arab Games this year it will stand a better chance to be included in the 2007 African Games.

Lake Tipaza – a possible venue for the 2007 All African Games

Mr Mustapha Berraf, the President of the Algerian Olympic Committee was also present at the meetings and recommended an investigation of a possible rowing venue in Tipaza, 80 km outside of Alger for the 2007 African Games.  This site, if chosen, would be a different venue than the port of Alger course that will be used this fall for the Pan Arab event.

Mr. Doutre was able to visit both sites with Mr. Amar Bouktouche, President of the Algerian Federation, Khaled Zain El Din, FISA Council Member and Mr. Belmihoub Nourredine, Head Coach for Algeria.  Both sites have a good deal of potential to host rowing events as well as training activities, which will be a benefit for the future of Algerian rowing.