Egypt Para-sports Festival: Inaugural event attracts skydivers from 15 nations

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02:51

Egypt held its first Para-Sports Festival this weekend, where Skydivers from 15 countries tested their skills in some daring events with the back drop of some of the Middle East's most iconic spots. CGTN's Adel Ma-hou-ry was there to take a look.

At the splendid sight of the Pyramids of Giza, dozens gathered, not to look at their beauty, but to glaze at the sky. This is Egypt Air Games 2018, the first air sports festival Egypt organizes. It combines Sky Diving with Para Motor gliding in one event.

EMILIA PLAK, PARAMOTORING WORLD CHAMPION "We came here to fly near pyramids. It's the first time we have this opportunity. All the pilots, not only me, feel very special to have this exceptional opportunity to come to Egypt and fly near the pyramids. It's a onetime / lifetime opportunity."

Egypt's Parachuting and Air Sports Federation created this event with Sky Sports Egypt to promote Aero-Sports, which is still a quite small community in the country. However, the Egyptians are Africa's champions in the sport.

YAHIA MOHAMED, EGYPT JUNIOR SKYDIVING TEAM COACH "An event like this one is a great transition in the sport. When skydivers learned that there will be a chance to fly or jump over the pyramids, we got numerous requests to join the event, and even to organize other events. The International Federation is currently working with us to hold the World Championship here."

Athletes and fans were thrilled with the event. They were more excited though to see Egypt's attempt to break a new Guinness World Record, for carrying the biggest flag on a paramotor.

TAMER NASSI, EGYPTIAN PARAMOTORIST "I'm extremely excited. The Sky Sports team are creating something new. Guinness's Records told us the flag should not be smaller than 100 square meter area. This flag is 150 metres square. 50% bigger than required. We are trying to bring the world's attention to our country with this attempt."

Nassim dazzled the spectators. Carrying the biggest Egyptian flag on a paramotor by the Pyramids was an astonishing site. Unfortunately weather conditions were not on his side. Forced to land shortly after taking off, Nassim crashed on his way to the ground. He turned out to be okay.

TAMER NASSI, LOOKING TO SET WORLD RECORD "We tried flying the flag before and succeeded, weather conditions may have changed this time. We still have three attempts to break the record, we'll set another date with Guinness's World Records office soon."

A determined athlete in a rising sports community keen to succeed in Egypt. AMA, CGTN, CAIRO.