ANOCA’s 3rd Vice President Alfred Foloko Calls for Unity and Innovation in Global Sport During Address to President Vladimir Putin at Russia: Country of Sports Forum

Alfred Foloko, ANOCA’s 3rd Vice President, urged greater global unity and innovation in sport during the 13th International Sports Forum “Russia: Country of Sports” in Kazan, Russia.

Speaking before His Excellency Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, and other distinguished delegates, Foloko conveyed greetings on behalf of ANOCA President Mustapha Berraf, who also serves as Vice President of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC).

He expressed ANOCA’s deep sense of fraternity and solidarity while wishing success to all participants in the high-level forum.

Alfred Foloko

Foloko acknowledged the challenges faced by Russian sport in recent years but commended the nation’s resilience and commitment to international cooperation.

 “Russia, thankfully, has not given up on competition. It has turned to Asia and the international arena, seeking new sporting partnerships and platforms for cooperation,” he said.

He said this was creating a more multipolar and collaborative era for global sport, with new alliances and development opportunities emerging.

Highlighting Africa’s steadfast commitment to unity through sport, Foloko underscored ANOCA’s belief that sport must remain a space for dialogue, peace, and solidarity.

“Africa acts as a moral mediator between blocs, defending the idea that competition should bring people together, not divide them,” he affirmed.

He emphasized that ANOCA continues to champion global sporting unity, standing firm in the belief that “sport belongs to all of humanity.”

Turning his attention to the future of African sport, Foloko spoke passionately about the need for an integrated approach that combines infrastructure, capacity building, digitalization, and innovation.

“Infrastructure remains the foundation, but concrete and steel alone do not build champions; people do. A well-trained coach can turn limited resources into extraordinary results,” he said.

He further called for embracing technology to accelerate talent identification, expand opportunities for young athletes, and make sport more engaging through digital tools and creative competition formats.

“Today’s youth want sport that is fast, inclusive, and community-driven. If we don’t innovate, we risk losing their attention to other forms of entertainment,” Mr. Foloko noted.

Concluding his remarks, he emphasized Africa’s greatest strength, its youth, and reaffirmed that investing in young people through sport is key to building both champions and future leaders.

“If we invest in them wisely through sport, we are not only preparing champions for the field, we are shaping leaders for the future,” he concluded.

Foloko’s address highlighted Africa’s growing influence in the global sports movement and reaffirmed ANOCA’s dedication to fostering cooperation, unity, and innovation across continents.