UK Embassy in Algiers Celebrates the London 2012 One Year to Go

The UK Embassy in Algiers has celebrated on Wednesday night the one year to go until the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics by bringing together some of Algeria’s past and present Olympic stars, including the 1500 m former world champion Nouredine Morceli, former football star Rabah Madjer and Head of Algeria’s Olympic Committee (COA), Rachid Hanafi.

Judo former champion Salima Soukri, current vice world champion in the same discipline Souraya Hadda, in addition to ambassadors of China and Brazil to Algeria, were also among the guests, given that China hosted the Olympics in 2008 and Brazil will organize the games in 2016. 

Throughout the event, members of the Embassy team took part in a fun run to help raise money for the handicapped children at Tidjelabine School. More than 40 children from the school attended the event for a fun packed day of activities, including painting an amazing mural of the London Olympic logo with artists from the School of Les Beaux Arts. 

UK Ambassador Martyn Roper said: “The London Olympics will not only be the best ever, but they will also be the most inclusive ever. The fact that so many Algerian athletes are here today, shows that the Olympic spirit is alive and well in Algeria, and I wish the Algerian all the best in their preparations for London 2012.”

Head of COA, Rachid Hanafi said he wishes the London Olympics to be a new brand start for the Algeria sport. 

Former 1500 m champion Morceli stated that the London Olympics will be a big show, adding that he hopes all the best for Algerian athletes.

The golden heel, Rabah Madjer, said Britain is used to succeed in organizing such big events, and wished plenty medals for Algerian athletes. 

The event was accompanied by a soft acoustic ballads performed by Mohamed Rouane with his white Mando guitar.