Celebrating Athletics and Youth Development
On Sunday, May 31, 2026, His Royal Highness Prince Moulay El Hassan presided over the 17th edition of the International Mohammed VI Athletics Meeting held at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat. This significant event is the third stop in the prestigious Diamond League circuit and stands as a highlight on the International Athletics Federation's calendar. The prince's involvement in this athletic celebration, organized under the auspices of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, reflects the unwavering attention His Majesty gives to sports as a pivotal driver for human development, social cohesion, and the engagement of younger generations.
The event underscores the central role that athletics, often referred to as the mother of sports, plays in embodying values of perseverance, self-improvement, and fair competition. It highlights the continued commitment of His Majesty to nurturing youth by providing them with optimal conditions for personal development, such as modern infrastructure, quality technical training, structured educational programs, and opportunities for competition at both national and international levels, enabling them to represent the Kingdom with pride.
Highlights of the Event and Its Historical Significance
Upon his arrival at the Olympic Stadium, Prince Moulay El Hassan was greeted by a ceremonial display from the Royal Guard, followed by a warm reception from various dignitaries, including the Minister of National Education, Pre-School Education, and Sports, Mr. Mohamed Saad Berada, the President of the Moroccan National Olympic Committee, Mr. Faisal Al Araishi, and other prominent officials. The presence of these figures exemplifies the collaborative spirit that surrounds this event, further enhancing its significance.
Once seated on the official platform, His Royal Highness witnessed the performance of the national anthem and the release of balloons, signaling the commencement of this grand international championship. The meeting features some of the biggest names in the world of athletics and is broadcast live across 150 global channels. As the event progressed, Prince Moulay El Hassan observed various competitions that took place, including extraordinary performances where several records were shattered by participating athletes.
Founded on June 14, 2008, the International Mohammed VI Athletics Meeting is a cornerstone of the athletics development plan initiated by the Royal Moroccan Athletics Federation, following the royal directives of King Mohammed VI. Each year, this prominent sporting event allows elite athletes from around the world to explore the city of Rabat, which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2012. This annual gathering contributes to enhancing Morocco's international profile as the only African country to host a Diamond League event, reinforcing the enlightened royal vision of establishing Rabat as the capital of culture.
With the support of the International Athletics Federation and the African Athletics Confederation, and the mobilization of partners from the Royal Moroccan Athletics Federation, this event was included in the International Athletics Federation's global challenge agenda from 2010 to 2015, later ascending to the status of Diamond League in 2016. The Diamond League international athletics competitions will take place from May 16 to September 5, 2026, comprising 15 meetings hosted in various cities worldwide, culminating in the finals scheduled for September 4 and 5 in Brussels, Belgium.
As reported by maroc.ma.
