The 14th edition of the “Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan-Global Kitesports Associations (GKA) 2024” Kitesurf World Cup and the 3rd edition of the “Global Wingsports Association (GWA) 2024” Wingfoil World Cup got underway in Dakhla on Sunday.
These two world events, organized by the Association du Lagon de Dakhla pour le développement du sport et l’animation culturelle (Dakhla Lagoon Association for Sports Development and Cultural Activities), will feature some 70 elite athletes representing 17 countries, including Moroccans Ali Bakali, Moumim Maji, Ismail Adarzane and Mohammed Ghali Khatour in kitesurfing, and Hamouda Houine in wingfoil.
Laila Ouachi, President of the Association du Lagon de Dakhla pour le développement du sport et l’animation culturelle (Dakhla Lagoon Association for Sport Development and Cultural Activities), stressed that the 14th edition of this event reflects the great interest shown in this Cup by kitesurfing enthusiasts, as well as the tourist appeal of the city of Dakhla, which abounds in exceptional natural potential.
She added that the ultimate aim of this competition is to train a Moroccan team capable of representing Morocco in the Olympic Games, in a sport that continues to gain notoriety on an international scale.
Ms. Ouachi pointed out that Moroccan sportsmen and women are increasingly interested in this sport, noting that the event helps to raise awareness of the importance of the oceans and their role in ecological balance, as demonstrated by the “Protect what you love, save the ocean” village.
She noted that this awareness-raising campaign, launched six months ago in cooperation with the Royal Moroccan Sailing Federation, is aimed at the region’s young people, pupils and students, and will culminate in recommendations for projects to preserve the environment and the potential of the city of Dakhla and the region.
For his part, Ali Bakali, one of the kitesurfing participants, emphasized that his participation in this edition, by taking first place in the national championship, enabled him to compete for international titles. For her part, Spanish participant Danilla Morino was delighted to be taking part in this World Cup, expressing the hope that conditions would be favorable for her to achieve good results.
This major sporting event, which runs until October 6, is one of several organized by the Dakhla Lagoon Association to showcase the natural, sporting, tourist and human potential of Dakhla and the whole region.
SOURCE : h24info.ma
