A S U

In a scene reflecting Ain Shams University’s distinguished standing and active role in supporting the sports and youth movement at both the Egyptian and African levels, the University hosted the first coordination meeting bringing together the heads of committees of the African University Sports Federation, the heads of committees of the Egyptian Universities Sports Federation, and the heads of delegations participating in the 12th African University Games “Cairo 2026,” hosted in Cairo from September 8 to 16.

The meeting was attended by a broad representation of delegation heads participating in the Games, which bring together more than 2,000 participants representing 18 African countries and 82 universities in the largest gathering of African university sports, reflecting the diversity and strength of the university sports movement across the continent.

The Games are being held with the participation of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, headed by Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Acting Minister of Culture; the Ministry of Youth and Sports, headed by Mr. Gohar Nabil; the African University Sports Federation, headed by Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Vice Chairman of the Higher Committee of the 12th African University Games; and the Egyptian Universities Sports Federation, under the supervision of Dr. Ahmed Kamel Mahdy, Chairman of the Games Organizing Committee.

Ain Shams University is participating in the Games through the Education and Students Sector, under the patronage of Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of the University, and Prof. Rami Maher Ghali, Vice President for Education and Student Affairs.

In his remarks during the first coordination meeting bringing together university sports leaders and participating delegations in Egypt, Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, President of the African University Sports Federation and Vice Chairman of the Higher Committee of the 12th African University Games, welcomed all attendees and participants to this major sporting event.

He emphasized that today’s opening ceremony embodies the role of sport in bringing peoples together and strengthening cooperation and communication among Africa’s youth. He noted that extensive efforts are being made to ensure that the event is organized in a manner befitting Egypt’s standing and its proven ability to host and organize major sporting events.

He also stressed the ability of all participating bodies to address various challenges and overcome any obstacles, ensuring the best possible conditions for participants and contributing to the success of the Games.

Dr. Ashraf Sobhy also extended his thanks and appreciation to Ain Shams University for its support and contribution to the success of the Games, commending the University’s efforts in hosting the delegations and providing them with the necessary services. He also thanked the various entities and institutions participating in and supporting the tournament.

For their part, the heads of the participating delegations expressed their delight at being in Egypt, praising the warm welcome and excellent organization, and expressing their appreciation for the efforts made to provide the best possible conditions for the delegations and participating students throughout the Games.

The meeting discussed various organizational and technical aspects related to the Games throughout the event period, while also reviewing arrangements for the competitions, delegation requirements, and coordination mechanisms among the various participating entities.

The meeting also featured a presentation on the official application of the 12th African University Games, an integrated digital platform designed to serve athletes, delegations, officials, media representatives, and the public by providing information and services related to the Games via mobile devices.

The application was launched as part of the Organizing Committee’s digital transformation framework, with the aim of unifying information sources and facilitating participants’ access to essential Games-related information. It includes sections dedicated to matches, news, and media content, as well as a comprehensive guide to the venues and facilities hosting the competitions.

Ain Shams University stands out as one of the key pillars of the Games’ hosting system, accommodating the largest number of participating delegations in its University Dormitories, which have been transformed during the tournament into a fully integrated hospitality system extending well beyond the traditional concept of student accommodation.

The University Dormitories provide delegations with fully equipped accommodation, integrated services, and continuous care, supported by qualified teams working around the clock to ensure the comfort of the delegations and provide all necessary assistance from the moment of their arrival until the conclusion of their participation in the Games.

As part of the University’s commitment to providing the highest standards of care for the delegations, the University’s Medical Supervision Department has ensured the availability of fully equipped ambulances and a specialized medical team operating around the clock. This ensures rapid response to emergencies and the immediate provision of necessary medical care throughout the tournament.

Ain Shams University’s role extends beyond hosting the event. Represented by the Education and Students Sector – General Administration of Youth Welfare, the University is also participating in the competitions of the 12th African University Games “Cairo 2026,” reflecting its commitment to supporting its students in sports and providing them with opportunities to compete in one of the continent’s largest university sporting events.

Ain Shams University’s hosting of this coordination meeting, together with its prominent role in welcoming delegations and participating in the competitions, underscores its position as a key player in the Egyptian and African university sports landscape and demonstrates its capacity to host and organize major events in accordance with the highest organizational and service standards.