Tunisia - hopefully UNIF member very soon
Detailed report by UNIF Treasurer Mr Abdelkrim Abour on the latest developments in futnet promotion in Tunisia and, in particular, on his meeting with the representatives of Tunisian sport at the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Tunis on 2 November.
As part of UNIF’s efforts to promote futnet around the world, in July 2012, I met Mr Ahmed BOUKRAA and Mr Mohamed OMRANE, the representatives of the club Sports Association of the Office of Merchant Navy and Ports (ASOMMP) in Tunisia to introduce them to futnet and to talk about the idea of creating a futnet federation. ASOMMP is Tunisia’s club champion in futsal. After the meeting, it was decided we would meet again to present the discipline at the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Tunisia.
Thus on 2 November, I visited the club’s new headquarters in Tunis where I was welcomed by the President, Mr Nabil FEKIH, Mr BOUKRAA (Treasurer) and Mr OMRANE (Secretary General).
The officials took me around their sports complex which is under reconstruction where it will be possible to do futsal, bodybuilding, fitness, basketball and futnet. This visit took place in thepresence of several directors general of the Ministry of Sports, the technical director of the club, the President of the Tunisian Federation of Business Sports and educators interested in the new sport.
Sports hall where futnet demonstration took place
Following this visit, we headed to another sports complex for a demonstration of futnet to all thosepresent. During this demonstration by the players of the Tunisia’s futsal club champion led by their coach, Mr Sabri JABALLAH (former international football player). They played triple, double and single. The visit and the games were filmed by the satellite television channel "Hannibal TV" and the press officer of ASOMMP. The club secretary as well as myself gave interviews on futnet and the reasons for its development in Tunisia.
In the early afternoon, we visited the Ministry of Youth and Sports, where I was received by Mr Jalel TKAYA, the Deputy Minister and first President of the Tunisian Federation of Sport for All, personality with major importance in sport in Tunisia and open to new sports that can be received well by young people.
From left to right: Mr Jilani HAMMAMI, Mr Salim LOUZIR, Mongi KACHOURI, Ms Fatma Zouhour TOUMI, Mr Jalel TKAYA, Nabil FEKIH, Mr Abdelkrim ABOUR (UNIF), Mr Sami BOUZID, Mr Ahmed BOUKRAA and Mr Mohamed OMRANE
Other participants of the meeting: Mrs Fatma Zouhour TOUMI, former African champion in javelin throw and now President of the Tunisian Federation of School and University Sport, Mr Salim LOUZIR, Director of Physical Education, Mr Mongi KACHOURI, General Director of Sports, Mr Jilani HAMMAMI, General Director of Youth, Director of El Menzah Sports City and President and Technical Director of ARIANA Sports Association, Presidentof SNAN Kalat club and its first coach and Mr Sami BOUZID, ASOMMP Technical Director and Inspector of National Education. The Libyan representative, unfortunately, could not come, but he will be in contact with the Tunisian officials. As regards Algeria, the representative was very interested and in the near future he is planning to visit France together with Tunisian officials to get more information on futnet and on the establishment of an Algerian federation.
In my introduction I stated that I would wish the country to be the first to develop futnet in Maghreb and the Arab world the idea which appealed to most of those present. The Deputy Minister informed me that a National League would be created within his Federation as it is the case with all new sports. I indicated to him that it was perfectand there would be no problem since the structure of futnet management would be independent at all times.
Presentation of futnet at the Ministry of Youth and Sports
I made a 1,5 hour presentation of our sport which made an impression on the participants and after which the Deputy Minister said that on 17-18 November 2012, during an open day for sports, futnet would be presented to public. Similarly, a request for referees and coaches training was raised to which I suggested I would consult UNIF Head of Technical Committee on the possibility of making such courses in Tunisia.
Following the meeting, the President of the Tunisian Federation of School and University Sport was very interested to start futnet in schools and raise awareness among all teachers. On leaving the Ministry, the ASOMMP President and Treasurer told me that the presentation made a very good impression and the following day they informed me that many teachers and educators had contacted them interested in future courses.
In front of the Tunisian Ministry of Youth and Sports with future Associate Members of UNIF (from left to right): Mr Ahmed BOUKRAA, Mr Mohamed OMRANE, Mr Abdelkrim ABOUR (UNIF), Mr Sami BOUZID and Mr Nabil FEKIH
The aim of Tunisia and the Ministry of Youth and Sports is to start promoting futnet as soon as possible, especially among young people. Thanks to the great work of UNIF Treasurer Mr Abdelkrim Abour, Tunisian representatives will also be present at the upcoming Men’s World Championships and at UNIF General Assembly where they intend to join UNIF as Associate Members.