HIBAPRESS
The topic of the role of sport in serving national causes and consolidating the values of citizenship and social cohesion was the focus of a conference organized on Saturday in Mohammedia by the Royal Moroccan Federation for Sport for All.
This meeting, which was organized on the occasion of the Ramadan Iftar that the Federation usually organizes during the holy month, brought together officials from the sports sector, the Federation, community activists, and journalists to discuss the multiple roles of sport as a lever for development and a force for soft diplomacy par excellence, and to enhance the Kingdom's influence and openness to its international environment. On this occasion, Nezha Bidouane, the President of the Federation, affirmed that sport is a strategic tool that contributes to strengthening Morocco's position on the international scene, in line with the enlightened vision of King Mohammed VI, adding that sport has become a strategic mechanism to enhance the Kingdom's influence and a broad field to consolidate its distinguished presence among peoples and nations. She continued that sport, which in the past was an effective tool of the Moroccan people's struggle for freedom and independence during the protectorate period, has today become a real diplomatic force, enabling the strengthening of the Kingdom's presence among nations and the consolidation of its openness to its international environment. Bidouane highlighted the Federation's efforts to consolidate a sports culture in society and enhance the role of sport in human development and social progress, noting that this conference falls within the framework of a series of meetings aimed at encouraging thinking about the challenges of sport and its contributions to major national issues. She also stressed the importance of coordination between sport and the media, given the pivotal role played by the media in highlighting sports achievements and promoting the values they embody. For his part, Driss Tahraoui, the director of the Institute of Sports Professions at Ibn Tofail University in Kenitra, highlighted the educational and civil dimension of sport, considering it a "school of life" that contributes to instilling values of discipline, responsibility, solidarity, and the spirit of teamwork among young people. He pointed out that sport also contributes to strengthening social cohesion and supporting the integration of individuals into society, recalling that the development of sport in Morocco falls within the framework of public policies aimed at developing human capital and accompanying young people. For his part, sports journalist Hassan Al-Attafi emphasized the growing role of sport in strengthening Morocco's position at the continental and international levels, pointing out that the achievements of Moroccan champions contribute significantly to strengthening the Kingdom's influence and consolidating its sports diplomacy. The meeting was marked by the honoring of athletes who participated in the symbolic relay race organized between October 15 and November 6, 2025, from Tangier to Dakhla, passing through the El Guergarat border crossing, in commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Green March. This national sports initiative, through its 19 stations, witnessed the participation of young people of different ages alongside Moroccan champions crowned in the Olympic Games and world championships, united in carrying the national flag throughout this symbolic journey that embodies the unity of the Kingdom. The evening was also an opportunity to honor a number of sports journalists from different generations, in appreciation of their contributions to promoting national sport and covering major sporting events, as well as their role in highlighting the achievements of Moroccan athletes. Through this initiative, the Royal Moroccan Federation for Sport for All renews its commitment to promoting sport as a means of citizenship, social cohesion, and mobilization around major national causes.
