HIBAPRESS-RABAT-M.KO
lham Mouhssini, is a young Moroccan woman who had the honor of being selected among the 45,000 volunteers around the world for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. She is particularly happy to have been chosen to participate in the organization of boccia, a Paralympic sport for athletes with severe disabilities, which is divided into four categories: BC1, BC2, BC3 and BC4. Her application was selected thanks to her professional experience within the Royal Moroccan Federation of Sports for People with Disabilities, responsible for individual sports and organizer at the national level. Her bac+5 level diploma in sports management also played a key role in this unique opportunity.
She was able to achieve this dream thanks to the French consulate in Rabat for facilitating the obtaining of her visa. She tells us about her adventure:
“Upon my arrival in Paris on August 19, 2024, I collected my accreditation, uniform and Navigo card, all in a warm atmosphere with a dedicated team, ensuring my comfort. Two days later, on August 21, I followed a training course at the Arena Sud site, Porte de Versailles, with other volunteers assigned to sports such as table tennis, goalball and boccia. This session was led by the organizing committee, where I had the opportunity to meet caring team leaders.
My schedule, which varied between day and evening shifts, was organized into two “warm-up” teams, one for the morning and one for the evening, from August 21 to September 5, 2024.
Working with people from different countries and cultures was a particularly rewarding experience. When we arrived on site, we had to register our presence via real-time geolocation, and we had breakout rooms to relax in, with games, tea, coffee, snacks and meals every day.”
Regarding her role as a volunteer, Ilham says:
“Our main mission was to welcome the boccia players in the warm-up room, in an atmosphere animated by music and dancing. We were also responsible for checking accreditations, preparing the field before the players arrived, and accompanying those requiring assistance. In addition, we facilitated coordination with the teams in the competition area to ensure that the athletes arrived at the call room at the appropriate time.” She adds with great pride:
“My trip to Paris also allowed me to follow other disciplines, such as para-athletics, in order to support the Moroccan delegation. This edition of the Paris Paralympic Games was remarkable for Morocco, with a total of 15 medals: 3 gold, 6 silver and 6 bronze. I would like to warmly congratulate the entire Moroccan delegation as well as all the athletes who won medals.
To those who did not get a medal this time, I say to you, “Inshallah, next time”. You are all champions, because you overcame your handicap and managed to qualify for the Games. That, in itself, is a huge victory.”
She admits with stars in her eyes that this unforgettable experience was marked by an impeccable organization of Paris 2024, for which “I am extremely grateful”, that she learned a lot during this adventure, which strengthens her commitment to inclusive sport.
