The Ivorian Olympic Committee recently honored Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah following a courtesy visit to the committee’s headquarters in Abidjan. The event, which was attended by the Ivorian Olympic Committee President, his first and second vice presidents, and the treasurer, saw the presentation of a special Ivorian Olympic Award to Mr. Mensah.
This recognition was in acknowledgment of the significant work Mr. Mensah has done in unifying, growing, and supporting the game of rugby throughout Africa. The President of the Ivorian Olympic Committee expressed particular appreciation for the fact that Mr. Mensah was accompanied by fellow rugby leaders from several countries, including Togo, Benin, Mali, Ghana, Nigeria, Niger, and Ivory Coast.
In his remarks, President Mensah thanked the Ivorian Olympic Committee for its continued support of rugby and highlighted the significant contributions from Olympic committees across the continent. He noted that some committees had provided as much as $100,000 in annual support, with others contributing smaller amounts, such as $25,000 per year.
President Mensah encouraged the Olympic Committee to work closely with the rugby community to help raise both funds and the standards of the sport in Africa.
Earlier in the day, Mr. Mensah and his fellow rugby presidents met with the Minister of Sports, who also reaffirmed strong support for rugby in the region.
The visit marked the launch of a new West African Rugby Union, signaling a new era of collaboration and development for rugby in the region.
