Under Royal Impetus, Sports Elevated to National Priority

Rabat - Since His ascension to the throne, His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, has given special attention to the sports sector, which has been elevated to a national priority as part of efforts to strengthen the integrated development of the Kingdom.This High Royal concern stems from the Sovereign's deep conviction about the role of sports as a provider of job-generating investments and a major component of parallel diplomacy that contributes to the Kingdom's influence through the achievements of Moroccan athletes.Morocco's sports policy focuses not only on training high-level athletes but also on establishing high-quality infrastructure that, while providing an ideal framework for sports practice, grants the Kingdom global recognition.The High Royal Directions have infused new dynamism into the sports sector, notably through the construction of new sports complexes and the renovation and upgrading of others to host major continental and international events.The various Royal Initiative s have also made sports a strategic priority sector. This is evidenced by the government's program to promote sports in its social and economic dimensions.The Royal message addressed to the 2nd National Sports Conference, held in Skhirat in October 2008, outlined the contours of an ambitious national sports policy, enshrining sports practice as one of the fundamental rights of citizens.Moreover, it was under the leadership of His Majesty the King that, for the first time in the Kingdom's history, the right to sports was enshrined in the Constitution, as the 2011 Constitution dedicated three articles (26, 31, and 33) to considering sports practice as one of the fundamental human rights.Another manifestation of the Royal commitment to sports was the inauguration in December 2019 of the National Football Center in MaSmoura after its renovation and rehabilitation, which the Sovereign graciously named after himself, "Mohammed VI Football Complex."This structure, dedicated to the performance and development of high-level football practice, reflects the Royal will to provide footballers with all the conditions for success.Moreover, to demonstrate Morocco's capabilities in organizing major global sports events, His Majesty the King announced, on March 14, 2023, Morocco's bid, alongside Spain and Portugal, to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, during the presentation of the 2022 Excellence Award by the Confederation of African Football to the Sovereign.This unprecedented joint bid in football history, linking Africa and Europe, the north and south of the Mediterranean, and the African, Arab, and Euro-Mediterranean worlds, will be a beautiful showcase for the Kingdom and for the development initiatives and projects launched across the national territory.The joint organization of this special edition of the world tournament has been rightly regarded as a message of peace and inclusion."Two continents - Africa and Europe - united not only in a celebration of football but also ensuring unique social and cultural coh esion. What a beautiful message of peace, tolerance, and inclusion!" said the President of the International Federation of Football Association (FIFA), Gianni Infantino, regarding the bid of the three historically and geographically linked countries.Experts believe that the 2030 World Cup edition will give a strong impetus to the growth dynamic that Morocco is experiencing under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. A dynamic that continues to inspire admiration as it touches on all dimensions of Moroccan citizens' lives.Source: Agence Marocaine De Presse