(ATR) The government of Zambia withdrew its offer to host the 2011 All Africa Games on Friday. A government spokesman said the decision was made so that the government could save money for food security during the current economic downturn. The Games were scheduled to take place July 15 to 27 in Lusaka.
The money previously allocated to the event will now go to ensuring there is a steady supply of staple food items to protect against rising food prices worldwide.
More than $155 million had been allocated to hosting the games. The monies were originally going to renovate Zambia's dilapidated sports infrastructure.
Additionally, three new stadia were being built.
The move was made as the government reprioritizes its spending for the years 2009 to 2011.
The All Africa Games are not organized under the auspices of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa, but rather, the Supreme Council for Sport in Africa. There has been talk about ANOCA assuming control of the event, and an editorial in Kenya's the Daily Nation says Zambia’s decision proves it should be done.
"There has been a strong argument for the All Africa Games to be organized by the more commercially inclined Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) with a view to strengthening the games' financial base and ensuring their continued existence" the piece says.
"This idea must now be pursued."
Written by Ed Hula III.
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