• 150 million EGP is the value of the protocol over three years... and the launch of the "Iron Champion" project to discover and nurture weightlifting talents.
• Ahmed Ezz: Investing in youth centers and popular fields is an investment in society and the future of champions.
Within the framework of the Egyptian state's direction towards strengthening the partnership between the governmental and private sectors, maximizing the utilization of sports and youth facilities, and supporting efforts to build the Egyptian human being, the Ministry of Youth and Sports signed a cooperation protocol with El-Ezz Dekheila Steel Group (EDFS), with a total value of 150 million Egyptian pounds over three years. This protocol aims to develop and upgrade youth centers and sports fields, in addition to launching the national project "Iron Champion" to support weightlifting, discover and nurture sports talents, and prepare champions capable of competing in continental and international championships.
The protocol was signed by Ashraf Sobhy, Minister of Youth and Sports, and Eng. Ahmed Ezz, Chairman of El-Ezz Dekheila Steel Group, in a step that reflects the importance of partnership between state institutions and the private sector in supporting Egyptian sports, developing youth and sports infrastructure, expanding the base of sports practice, and enhancing the role of youth centers in serving the community.
The protocol includes the development and upgrading of youth centers, as well as the development of popular fields and their transformation into developed sports and social fields, providing a suitable environment for practicing sports, youth, and community activities, and enhancing citizens' utilization of sports facilities, especially in popular neighborhoods, deprived areas, and priority and border governorates.
In the sports field, the protocol aims to launch and support the national project "Iron Champion" in weightlifting, by developing the system for discovering, selecting, and nurturing sports talents, supporting training centers, and preparing athletes according to scientific and technical foundations, thereby enhancing their opportunities to participate in local and international championships.
The Minister of Youth and Sports affirmed that the national project "Iron Champion" comes within the framework of the Egyptian state's direction towards developing the system for discovering and nurturing sports talents, and strengthening partnerships with the private sector to provide the necessary capabilities for preparing champions, pointing out that the project aims to build an integrated pathway to support weightlifters, starting from their discovery, nurturing, and qualification, up to achieving sports achievements, with attention to all stages of their sports careers.
Ashraf Sobhy explained that the project complements the directives issued by His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, which the ministry will implement through the "Masar" project, launched within the framework of the recommendations of the Egypt 2026 Forum. The project aims to preserve national investment in discovering sports talents and preparing champions by providing the means for a decent life for athletes at all stages of their careers, starting from talent discovery and qualification, through competitions and achievements, to the post-retirement phase, thereby preserving national investment in sports talents and ensuring the sustainability of benefiting from the capabilities of Egyptian sports.
The Minister of Sports added that the ministry is working to translate the directives of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi regarding providing free access to sports for citizens and expanding the base of beneficiaries of sports activities into programs and projects that invest in youth centers and sports fields, and provide greater opportunities for youth to practice sports and discover their abilities and develop their talents.
Ashraf Sobhy indicated that sports represent one of the pillars of national security, due to its role in building individuals physically, mentally, and intellectually, strengthening national belonging, and positively investing youth energies. He affirmed that developing sports facilities and facilitating access to sports services and activities contribute to achieving these goals and enhance the role of sports in building a healthier and more cohesive society.
The Minister of Youth and Sports stressed the importance of integrating the efforts of the state and the private sector in supporting the sports system, providing the necessary care for promising talents, and linking development projects with clear objectives and measurable indicators, to ensure optimal resource utilization, the sustainability of developed facilities, and the preparation of champions capable of representing Egypt honorably in various sports forums.
For his part, Eng. Ahmed Ezz, Chairman of El-Ezz Dekheila Steel Group, emphasized the importance of the national project "Iron Champion," pointing out that the development of youth centers and popular fields represents a significant investment in society, as these facilities provide opportunities for sports practice, talent discovery, and enhancing youth participation in sports and community activities.
The Chairman of El-Ezz Dekheila Steel Group explained that the Egyptian state is injecting significant investments into the development of sports facilities, youth centers, and sports federations. This reflects the importance of integrating the efforts of the private sector with state efforts to maximize the benefits of these investments, support the sports system, and provide the necessary capabilities for preparing champions.
"Ezz" added that seeing the Egyptian flag raised high and hearing the national anthem in international stadiums and on podiums during the Olympic Games and world championships is a national goal that deserves the convergence of all efforts to achieve it. He affirmed that reaching these achievements requires investing in sports talents and providing the necessary care and training for champions from the early stages of their discovery.
Ahmed Ezz pointed out that the selection of weightlifting as a sport is due to the challenges faced by its practitioners and the need to provide the necessary support and capabilities to discover promising talents, qualify athletes, and create suitable conditions for them to achieve sports accomplishments at the continental and international levels.
The Chairman of El-Ezz Dekheila Steel Group thanked the Minister of Youth and Sports, Ashraf Sobhy, for providing the Group with the opportunity to participate in social responsibility efforts, contribute to the development of youth centers and popular fields, and support sports talents, emphasizing the importance of continued cooperation between state institutions and the private sector to serve Egyptian youth and society.
