The French Athletics Federation will make Potchefstroom its home away from home for the foreseeable future with a new five-year deal being announced with the NWU, to utilise its sporting and accommodation facilities.
This was made public during a press conference held at the NWU Pukke’s Sports Village on Tuesday afternoon, which various local and French media houses attended.
According to French Athletics Federation president, Bernard Amsalem, the relationship will be a long-term one, with the number of years being extended indefinitely.
“We have had a fantastic relationship for a number of years. It makes sense to continue this good relationship that is beneficial to both parties,” he added.
According to national technical director, Ghani Yalouz, this year has been especially special as it is an Olympic year with more athletes gracing Potchefstroom than ever before.
“This year, we focused on training reduced groups of athletes as well as exposing younger athletes. Not all of our athletes could make it to the training camp. We hope to invest further in the coming years,” he said.
The French team will be staying in Potchefstroom for three weeks, where they will focus on various disciplines on and off the track as well as focusing on conditioning and fitness.
According to the manager of the HPI. Jean Verster, the new agreement cements what the HPI and the NWU have been working towards in their relationship with the French over the past years.
“The French are the biggest and most important athletics federation that we work with. We try our utmost to make them feel at home here in Potchefstroom. The French have also shown their commitment to us and this agreement bodes well for a prosperous future,” he exclaimed.
Mehdi Baala, a former French 1500- metre champion and 2008 Olympic Bronze medalist, has been training in South Africa for a number of years and he believes that constant promotion of the facilities over the years has helped to build relations.
“I have known Jean (Verster) for a couple of years now and we have grown each year when coming to train here. It is a special place for us and we hope that we can continue our good relations.”
