Exciting Kickoff of the 10th Grand Prix in Rabat
On the evening of Thursday, April 24, 2026, the Olympic Stadium in Rabat opened its doors to host the 10th edition of the Moulay Hassan Grand Prix for Para-Athletics, featuring over 500 athletes from 58 countries, including 70 Moroccan competitors. This prestigious event will run until April 25 and is part of the Grand Prix series organized by the International Paralympic Athletics Federation. It is held under the patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, in collaboration with the Ministry of National Education, Preschool, and Sports.
This year’s edition stands out as it is supervised by the International Paralympic Athletics Federation and showcases elite athletes aiming to achieve qualifying standards for the 2028 Paralympic Games scheduled to take place in Los Angeles. During the opening ceremony, Hamid Al-Aouni, the president of the Moroccan Royal Federation for Sports for Persons with Disabilities, emphasized that the Moulay Hassan Grand Prix represents a significant milestone in promoting human values. He highlighted that this sporting event embodies Morocco's steadfast commitment to inclusive sports accessible to all.
Promoting Inclusivity and Excellence in Sports
Al-Aouni further explained that this event is not merely a competition but carries a powerful message indicating Morocco's unwavering dedication to advancing sports for individuals with disabilities. It serves as a critical stepping stone towards the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, where every fraction of a second and every centimeter achieved stands as a vital move towards realizing this dream. Paul Fitzgerald, the president of the International Paralympic Athletics Federation, expressed that the 10th Grand Prix of the federation would contribute positively to the athletes' performances. He noted that the overwhelming participation from diverse nations reflects the event's growing significance on the international stage.
Fitzgerald hopes to see new records set during this edition, both regionally and globally. The event has mobilized approximately 100 judges, 100 organizers, 150 volunteers, and 15 health staff, featuring around 120 competitions across various disciplines, including running, jumping, and throwing, catering to different categories of physical, visual, and intellectual disabilities. Morocco previously topped the medal table in the ninth edition held from April 24 to 26, 2025, in Marrakech, winning a total of 36 medals (10 gold, 14 silver, and 12 bronze), surpassing Kenya and Saudi Arabia, which earned 26 and 14 medals, respectively.
As reported by madar21.com.
