Ouagadougou: The Minister of Sports, Youth and Employment, Annick Pikbougoum, visited the AES Games village on Saturday, September 12, to encourage exhibitors and athletes, AIB observed on site.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Minister Pikbougoum expressed the intention behind the creation of the games village, emphasizing its role as a space for the public to engage with games beyond the traditional playing fields. She stated, "We wanted to open this space, which we have named the games village, to allow the population to come and discover games from a different angle."

The Minister highlighted that the AES Games village serves as a platform for athletes and leaders from the three delegations to exchange ideas, share experiences, and foster fraternity. She assured the community that the village is a vibrant, secure, and popular venue.

Accompanying the Minister were notable figures such as Charles Kabor, the Ambassador for Sport of Burkina Faso, along with sports icons from Mali and Niger. Their presence underscores their role as role models for aspiring athletes, offering guidance and inspiration to the youth aiming for excellence in the global sports arena.

Minister Pikbougoum acknowledged the vision of the ESA countries' leaders in organizing the games, which provide athletes with a platform to pursue their ambitions and reach the pinnacle of their sporting careers.