Celebrating Athletics and Youth Development in Morocco
On Sunday, May 31, 2026, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan chaired the 17th edition of the Mohammed VI International Athletics Meeting, held at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat. This prestigious event is the third stage of the Diamond League circuit and stands as a significant date on the International Association of Athletics Federations’ (IAAF) calendar. The Crown Prince's presence at this esteemed sporting event, organized under the gracious patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, underscores the deep commitment of the Moroccan monarchy to promoting sports as a vital catalyst for human development, social integration, and cohesion among youth.
Moreover, this event highlights the essential role athletics play, often referred to as the mother of all sports, embodying values such as perseverance, self-improvement, and fair competition. The King's unwavering dedication to youth empowerment is evident through his efforts to provide them with optimal conditions for personal development, which include modern infrastructure, high-quality technical coaching, structured training programs, and opportunities for competition at both national and international levels. These initiatives are designed to ensure that young athletes can effectively represent the Kingdom on the global stage.
A Grand Opening and Record-Breaking Performances
Upon arriving at the Olympic Stadium, Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan was greeted with a ceremonial salute from the Royal Guard. He then engaged with various dignitaries present, including the Minister of National Education, Primary Education, and Sports, Mr. Mohamed Saad Berada, and the President of the Moroccan National Olympic Committee, Mr. Faisal Araichi. The ceremony also saw attendance from other prominent figures such as the Wali of the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region, Mr. Mohamed El Yaacoubi, and the President of the Rabat City Council, Mrs. Fatiha Moudani.
Following the formalities, the Crown Prince took his place on the official platform, where he witnessed the national anthem's performance and the release of balloons marking the commencement of this grand international championship. This event brings together some of the most prominent names in the athletics world and is broadcast live across 150 global channels. Throughout the day, the Crown Prince observed various competitions, which saw record-breaking performances being set by participating athletes, further underscoring the significance of the Mohammed VI International Athletics Meeting.
Established on June 14, 2008, this event is a cornerstone of the development plan for athletics endorsed by the Royal Moroccan Athletics Federation, in line with the King's visionary directives. Each year, this prominent sporting event not only allows elite international athletes to experience the beauty of Rabat, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2012, but also enhances Morocco's international profile as the only African nation hosting a prestigious Diamond League event. This aligns with the King's enlightened vision to promote Rabat as a cultural capital and a beacon of light.
With support from the IAAF, the African Athletics Confederation, and the collaboration of the Moroccan Royal Athletics Federation’s partners, this sporting event has been included in the IAAF's global challenge agenda from 2010 to 2015, subsequently elevating to the Diamond League status in 2016. The Diamond League competitions, held between May 16 and September 5, 2026, consist of 15 meetings across various locations including Shanghai, Xiamen (China), Rabat (Morocco), Rome (Italy), Stockholm (Sweden), Oslo (Norway), Doha (Qatar), Paris (France), Eugene (USA), Monaco, London (UK), Lausanne, Zurich (Switzerland), Chorzów (Poland), and concluding in Brussels (Belgium) for the finals scheduled on September 4 and 5.
As reported by maroc.ma.
