The Egyptian State Tourist Office is proud to announce their participation in the Africa Village during this year’s London 2012 Olympics. For the very first time in the history of the Games, the 53 African NOCs (National Olympic Committees) are hosting the Africa Village at Kensington Gardens, from 27th July – 12th August 2012.

The Africa Village will welcome athletes and visitors throughout the duration of the Olympic Games and will be made up of Africa Land and Africa House. Africa Land will be open to the public and allow a wide audience to discover the cultural and artistic riches of the African continent. Africa House represents the official area for ANOCA (Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa) and the 53 African NOCs.

Visitors to Africa Land are invited to experience a taste of Egypt at the Egypt stand, number B7, and celebrate Egypt exclusively on Saturday, 4 August, when Egypt takes over the village for a day. The Egypt day will highlight the country’s cultural diversity including Egyptian dancers, enchanting belly dancers, musicians and a variety of Egyptian cuisine. Art lovers can get a traditional henna tattoo from a henna artist onsite. Those interested in the African history of the Olympics can trace Africa’s participation in the Games and marvel at a photography exhibition of legendary African sportspeople.

Mrs Omayma El Husseini, UK Director of the Egyptian State Tourist Office, commented:

“This is a very exciting time for Egypt. During the Olympic Games, 112 Egyptian athletes will compete in 19 disciplines, including football, swimming and boxing. We are proud to be part of this and participate in the first Africa Village. Egypt will showcase its diversity, tourism offering, cultural heritage, art, cuisine and music.

“Kensington Gardens is a prime location in the heart of London and we are very much looking forward to meeting Egypt enthusiasts from all over the world.”

Live entertainment will be performed on the main stage every day from 1pm – 3pm and from 6pm to 9pm. The acts include music, dance, fashion shows and theatre performances. Visitors will be pleased to hear that all the Olympic action can also be watched live from the site to stay up to date with the latest news of the Games. At the same time, African athletes will visit Africa Land every day to showcase their medals and celebrate with the fans.

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*Note to editors:

About ANOCA: ANOCA, the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa, is an association constituted among the 53 National Olympic Committees of Africa (NOCs). The association was created in Lome, Togo, on 28 June 1981.

Entry to the Africa Village is free. Opening times are from 9am – 10pm every day throughout the Olympic Games, 27th July – 12th August 2012. Egypt can be found at stand number B7.

Africa House will host several events like the General Assembly of ANOCA, an African Forum and press conferences. Access is restricted to invitation or accreditation only.

For more information, please contact Nicola Cutler at Media Consulta UK:

E: N.Cutler@media-consulta.com

T: +44 (0) 203 008 4316