A High-Spirited Algerian Team

GWANGJU – After its participation in Belgrade and Shenzhen, the biggest country in Northern Africa did not miss the opportunity to take part in the 28th Summer Universiade, with its 47 athletes presenting various disciplines. The Algerian flag paraded at the opening ceremony followed by male and female student-athletes competing in judo, table tennis and athletics.

The participation of the delegation was a big challenge for the Algerians, as they found the procedures and communication difficult with FISU due to the bad Internet connection in Algeria.

So committed, the delegation started its real preparation from March 2015 and it was fully supported by the Ministry of Sports of Algeria who provided them with allowance, equipment and training sessions.

Once here, the delegation found very good living conditions in the Athletes’ Village. “We are so satisfied with the Algerian’s result, we don’t expect more”, said Mokhtar Hefaya, the Algerian head of delegation who added “knowing the conditions of students in Algeria, who are torn between studies and sport, we can’t ask for more, our University’s system is so overloaded and students are in classes for more than 7 hours per day. We are really proud of them and we hope that Algerian’s flag will keep fluttering at the Universiade.”

Henda Maarfi (TUN), FISU Young Reporter