OlympAfrica is the foundation that was formed by the late Juan Antonio Samaranch, the Spanish former President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) who served at the helm of the organisation from 1980 to 2001.

FITA secretary general Tom Dielen (top left) signed the agreement with OlympAfrica director Thierno Diack (top right) at the federation's headquarters in Lausanne.

It was agreed that a pilot project will be introduced in Nigeria for 2013, followed by other countries in agreement with the FITA Member Associations.

OlympAfrica is supported by the IOC, the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa, the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) and Daimler Chrysler for the development of sports at a recreational and grassroots level in 46 African countries.

In collaboration with the National Olympic Committees (NOCs) of each of these countries, OlympAfrica has set up centres dedicated to sports activities, workshops, HIV prevention and coach education.

The aim of these centres is to involve the youth in sports and activities that are good for their future development once they have finished their day at school.

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