The Algerian Olympic Committee held an Olympic Day event in Annaba ©COA

The Algerian Olympic Committee (COA) held an Olympic Day event in Annaba, alongside some of the country's sporting heroes.

Mustapha Berraf, President of the COA, launched the event in collaboration with the Algerian School Sports Federation. 

Olympic medallists Nouria Benida Merah, Abderahmane Hammad, Sid Ali Sief and Mohamed Allalou were all on hand to meet attendees. 

All four reached the podium at Sydney 2000.

Merah won the 1500 metres title, with Hammad winning high jump bronze in the Australian city.

Sief won 5,000m silver and boxer Allalou claimed light welterweight bronze.

Sydney 2000 Olympic champion Nouria Benida Merah was among those in attendance ©Getty Images
Sydney 2000 Olympic champion Nouria Benida Merah was among those in attendance ©Getty Images

The COA used the occasion to pay tribute to the former athletes from Annaba province.

A beach volleyball tournament and regatta demonstration were held, as well as athletics and gymnastics competitions.  

Algeria won two silver medals at Rio 2016, with middle distance runner Taoufik Makhloufi claiming both after finishing second in both the men's 800m and 1500m.

Capital city Algiers is currently gearing up to host the 2018 African Youth Games.

The African nation will also stage the 2021 Mediterranean Games in Oran.