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ANOCA Athletes’ Commission to Visit ORC in Rio

27 | 6 | 2016

When the Olympians Reunion Centre by EY opens its doors at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games this August it will welcome Olympians from around the world, offering Olympic alumni the opportunity to gather, socialise, take part in official meetings or simply soak up the Rio atmosphere.

Among the many Olympians making the most of this exclusive venue and valuable resource will be Mali basketball star Kady Kanouté and her colleagues on the ANOCA Athletes’ Commission; Senegalese athlete, Olympic silver medallist and WOA vice-president Amadou Dia Ba (Chair),  three-time Olympic long-distance runner and marathon icon Tegla Loroupe of Kenya, Togo’s Olympic bronze medal winning canoeist Benjamin Boukpeti, London 2012 Olympic silver medallist and Rio 2016 gold medal hopeful Anthony Obame of Gabon and legendary swimmer and Olympic champion Kirsty Coventry, who will represent Zimbabwe at her fifth Olympic Games in Rio.

Kanouté, who was part of the Mali women’s basketball team that competed at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, says she is looking forward to her first ORC experience and can’t wait to meet and engage with Olympians from all over the world.

“I believe this a great resource and a great initiative to enhance the Games experience for Olympians. It is also a sign of recognition for Olympians and their contribution to the Olympic Movement, said Kady Kanouté.”

“We (ANOCA Athletes’ Commission) will meet at the ORC to define how to better cover events by our presence and provide support to our athletes during the medal ceremonies at the African village. We also have two of our Athletes’ Commission members competing for Olympic medals in Rio with Kirsty Coventry going for her eighth Olympic medal in swimming and Anthony Obame seeking gold in Taekwondo after winning the silver in London,” she added.

WOA President Joël Bouzou is pleased the ORC will be used by the commission as a base to carry out official meetings and enjoy the atmosphere of the Games.

“The ORC offers Olympians the exclusive opportunity to come together and celebrate the extraordinary event that is the Olympic Games in a wonderful Rio setting. The WOA will be extending our warmest welcome to the ANOCA Athletes’ Commission as they seek to make the most of what this unique venue has to offer and we wholeheartedly support the work they do for the benefit of African athletes everywhere”, said Joël Bouzou.

Aside from being an integral member of the ANOCA Athletes’ Commission, Kady Kanouté has also been tasked with the important role of Attachée de Mission for the Mali Olympic Team in Rio, a role she is relishing.

“My primary duty will be to assist my delegation and our athletes during the Games. Along with my Athletes’ Commission colleagues we also want to follow and cheer for as many African Olympians competing as we can and pursue our ongoing mission of representing, inspiring and empowering African athletes.”

Through her work for ANOCA and as an IOC Athlete Career Programme trainer Kanouté is actively involved in the Olympic Movement, helping her fellow athletes in a variety of ways. She is also vocal in her opinion on the value of Olympians in society.

“I believe every Olympian should be a role model for society and that they should be recognised as such within their country and continent because being an Olympian is an exceptional achievement. Every athlete competing at the Olympics Games is among the best and should be an ambassador of the Olympic Values of courage, respect, fair play and tolerance within their community.

“Being an Olympian was the greatest achievement of my sporting career and it’s an amazing feeling to now experience the Olympic Games as a spectator and not an athlete in Rio. It is a different approach and perspective to not have the pressure of performing. I am going as an observer, a fan of sport and a fervent supporter of the Olympic Values. I just believe this is the best event on earth!”

The Olympians Reunion Centre by EY is a destination hub for Olympians of all ages to gather in the heart of the Olympic action in Rio. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this exciting venue, pre-register now at http://olympians.org/rio-2016/and enjoy the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in comfort and style.