The Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) and The Royal Parks announced today that the very first continental ‘House’ in the history of the Olympic Games is set to be located in Kensington Gardens. The 53 National Olympic Committees of Africa will have the opportunity to come together to host a joint ‘national house’ that will be free for the public to access and open from27 July to 12 August 2012.
‘Africa House’ will showcase culture, art and sport from across the continent giving visitors the chance to explore and learn about Africa for free. The site, which has capacity for 2,000 visitors at one time, will be located next to the Albert Memorial, and will feature exhibition stands, performances and restaurants.
African Olympic athletes will be the guests of honour at ‘Africa House’ and each evening African medal winners will head to Kensington Gardens to celebrate and to meet fans. This will be the first time that African athletes will have a House in which to fully celebrate being part of the Olympics and to share their love of sport with visitors from around the world.
General Lassana Palenfo, President of ANOCA, said: "We created Africa House to offer the National Olympic Committees and African athletes a unique opportunity to fully participate in the great Olympic festivities, whatever their means. This area will act as an exceptional showcase for our continent, in the eyes of the public at large, the eight million visitors expected during the Games and also decision makers from around the world. A big thank you goes out to The Royal Parks for assisting us in this. We are extremely proud that for this world first, Africa House will benefit from being located in such a prestigious environment".
Mark Camley, Chief Executive of The Royal Parks said: "The Royal Parks is excited that Kensington Gardens has been chosen as the ideal location to showcase the African continent for the first time during the Olympics. Up to 53 countries will be represented and visitors from around the world will have a unique opportunity to experience African culture in Kensington Gardens. The Royal Parks is playing a central role in helping to deliver a successful Games and working with Africa House is an important part of this."
Africa House will also serve as a reception site for African sports heads, political and economic leaders and media from around the continent, as well as sponsorship partners and Olympic officials.
A planning application for Africa House will be submitted to Westminster City Council later this year.
For more information, contact: Valérie Amant +33 (0)6 83 37 66 21 or valamant@yahoo.fr
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