Africa Triathlon

The Egyptian Triathlon Federation officially launched at a gala event in Cairo on March 2, 2010. ITU President and IOC member Marisol Casado was in attendance, along with Egypt’s two IOC members, General Mounir Sabit and Dr. Rania Elwani.

In her address, President Casado stressed the importance of developing triathlon in Africa, and thanked Ahmed Nasser, President of the Egyptian Triathlon Federation, for the work he has done to grow triathlon in the region.

Nasser stated that he was extremely pleased with the launch and reinforced that Egypt is ready to play a significant role in developing the sport in cooperation with the African Triathlon Union and other Arab countries in the region.

The ETF hosted its first ever National Triathlon Championship on the day after the launch, coinciding with Egyptian National Sports Day. The event, which took place in Suez City, featured athletes from the military sporting clubs of Cairo, Ismailia, Alexandria, Menia and Suez. The Governor of Suez, Saief El-deen Gallal was on hand for the race and praised the success of the event. 

Also present at the launch were Dr. Hassan Moustafa, President of the International Handball Federation (IHF); Khaled Zain, Secretary General of the Arican National Olympic Committees Association (ANOCA); Mr. Medhat El Beltagi, Deputy Minister of Sport in Egypt; Dr. Wafaa Salah El Deen of the Egyptian National Sports Council Board; Mr. Tarek Rashed, Vice Minister for Sport Competitions and Dr. Emad El Banay, Vice Minister for “Sport for All”.

All attendees at the launch were treated to live music from Sameh Yossri, a famous Egyptian pop singer.