Athletics National Teams In Congo

They are to take part in the Central African Regional Championship from August 1st to 4th.

Some 19 athletes of the national athletics team left the country yesterday for the Republic of Congo. They are to take part in the African championship. Prior to their departure, the athletes were offered FCA 500,000 each as participation bonuses by the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education.

The athletes had been in camp for two weeks to prepare for the competition and also took part in the 52nd national championship that took place last weekend which equally served as preparation for the athletes. Though no records were broken, the national technical director for athletics, Michel Nkolo says he is hopeful Cameroon will make an honourable performance in the competition. "The children are enthusiastic and I am optimistic they are going to win many medals," he said.

Some ten countries of the region are expected to take part in the competition comprising Burundi, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Chad and Cameroon. Cameroon will be out to wipe the sad memories of the last edition of the competition Porto Novo where they returned empty handed without winning any medal.

Meanwhile the Centre Region came first in the 52nd national athletics championship which took place at the Ahmadou Ahidjo stadium over the weekend with a total of 22 medals. There were followed by the Littoral with 16 medals; four in gold, seven silver and eight bronze. Liliane Nguetsa, who won gold in the 1500m vent, emerged the best female athlete of the year while Alphonse Binam Nlend emerged best male athlete.