A YOUNG GOVERNOR FOR ALEX…
with plenty of Ideas

If you don't follow the Egyptian News - I do - you probably never heard of Hany el-Messiry. Basically, he is newly-named Governor for Egypt's second city of Alexandria, he entered in office at the beginning of February.

His nomination was noticed - to say the least - on the social medias and photos of the young politician went basically viral! Well, as I'm also a lady and do appreciate handsome and charm when I see it, I have to admit I had noticed him too.

But hands off ladies, the Man is married and very much so! So keep on dreaming...

But more seriously, this is the kind of man that make things happen. Totally dedicated to his city, he has great ambitions for his City.

"I love all of Egypt, but I have a soft sport for Alexandria, I have nothing against any other city in Egypt, but Alexandria is just like a jewel, and like nowhere else in the world." he states firmly. "The History of the City is such, it makes it a place second to none, and I wouldn't live anywhere else..."

Well I can see where the Man is coming from, and I travel a lot. There is a sort of tranquility here in Alex. Yes, horns and traffic and all. But people stop and sit, and just look at the sea. Or take the time to have a coffee and chat with friends. They go out with the whole family - from young kids/babies to the much older, and everybody just enjoys life. It's a very special place.

And I can vouch that it's perfectly safe... Like all the events/towns I have been to since the events of January 2011.

"My President [Egyptian President El Sissi] said something so simple and powerful: The speed and pace of the events that took place in Egypt didn’t let us convey the right message to the world. So I decided that we would organise a major Sports Event here in Alexandria to kill two birds with one stone.

"The message is simple and clear: Egypt is safe. Look around you, there is no heavy security, no militaries, I don't have a body guard either, nothing of the sort. I myself go round the city without motorcycles or armed guard. Last week, the Prime Minister was here, and we just walked in the town, simply, with no extra/special security. We are safe here, and that’s the message I’m conveying every day here.

Same thing, when we went to the Opening Ceremony, did you see any policemen, any heavy armed military personnel? No, you didn’t. And yet, we were perfectly safe. I was asked by my friends Heads of the Military if we wanted some help with the security for the event. And I declined: because we don’t need it. Alexandria is safe. Egypt is safe."

Basically, he is right. And wrong at the same time. Nowhere is safe anymore, I mean NOWHERE. And basically, we are as safe here that I was in London when the 2012 bombs exploded on a bus and tube I took every day. Or of our journalists that were gunned down in Paris on the 7th January. Or as safe as my doctor who went to the HyperCasher of Paris at 9am when the Terrorist attacked it at 11.09 two days later.

I walk in Cairo, Hurghada, El Gouna, Sharm or Alex with the same feeling than when I walk in Paris, London or next to the former Twin Towers: the day it's my day, I'll have to go. Until then, I'll just enjoy the ride...

IT HAPPENED SOOOO FAST!

So, safety concerns, check. But how did the event come to live that quickly I wondered. I mean, come on, most tournament promoters take about a year to organise a tournament. This Alexandria International was organised in less than 30 days!!!

"First, we wanted to have a great event, with top players from all over the world and also, we could have the medias here and show them that we are safe, that they could check that by themselves how beautiful our city is and how safe we are.

"I went to El Gouna, and I like what I saw. I liked the sport, the spectacle those athletes were producing. And I’m a very jealous man, and when I see a great show, I want it for my city."

Amr Mansi is from Alexandria so I went to him and said “shame on you! You organise an major event in El Gouna, and not in Alexandria, with all the History we have here!” So I asked him why can’t we have one in Alexandria. He said, "Ok, let’s do it next year, and I retorted Let’s do it tomorrow!"

After that, we talked dates, money, we found the sponsors, and I talked to three possible venues, Montaza Palace, the Citadel and the Bibliotheca. The choice was his, and he decided the Bibliotheca would be perfect.

Then we called the Federation, and they were very excited, and helped us to put all it together, and we are truly grateful to them for their help.

"I think that Alexandria can organise a lot of different kinds of Sporting events. If you look at the figures, Tourism Market in the world represents about 8 billion dollars or so, with the Sport Tourism being 10%. I think we deserve more than that. And even worse, in Egypt, sport tourism is Zero. we don't have anything at all.

"Even when we had major competitions, they were at private places, why? we have many beautiful places like that in Alexandria, we could've held this competition on the sea, in Montazah, or in the Qaitbay Fort.

"And now, Alexandria championship is on the map with set dates. Next year it will be planned in advance, more people will come from abroad, and we will ask our embassies to send people so more spectators can enjoy and appreciate the sport, the venue and the setting! And next, other sports events, why not having Basket-Ball, Tennis, Table-tennis, or even Chess. Why not? Everything is possible in Alexandria!

"You could say it’s great minds getting together for the good not only of a sport, but also the good of a City. And we want to thank the Sponsors for their support, the Federation for their help, and the players for cancelling their holidays and coming here to perform and entertain us!" concluded the Governor...

I told you, the Man has got great plans for his City, and it seems the Angels Willing that we all will be coming back next year for more fun!

Can't wait!

FaceBook Page

Biography

Listen to Amro Fekri's
Interview (Ar)
for BBC Arabic

Fun in Alex 2
Bumpy Ride 1