Dakhla: the 14th Kitesurf World Cup and 3rd Wingfoil World Cup kick off

The 14th edition of the "Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan – Global Kitesports Association (GKA) 2024" Kitesurf World Cup and the 3rd edition of the "Global Wingsports Association (GWA) 2024" Wingfoil World Cup opened on Sunday in Dakhla.

Taking part in these two world events, organised by the Dakhla Lagoon Association for the development of sport and cultural activities, are some 70 elite athletes representing 17 countries, including the Moroccans Ali Bakali, Moumim Maji, Ismail Adarzane and Mohammed Ghali Khatour in kitesurfing and Hamouda Houine in wingfoiling.

The president of the Dakhla Lagoon Association, Laila Ouachi, stressed that the 14th edition of this event reflects the great interest kitesurf enthusiasts take in the Cup, as well as the touristic appeal of Dakhla, a city brimming with exceptional natural potential.

She added that the ultimate goal of the competition remains to build a Moroccan team capable of representing Morocco at the Olympic Games in a sport whose international profile keeps growing.

Ms Ouachi noted that Moroccan athletes are increasingly drawn to the sport, and that the event helps raise awareness of the importance of the oceans and their role in the ecological balance, as illustrated by the "Protect what you love, save the ocean" village.

She added that this awareness campaign, launched six months earlier in cooperation with the Royal Moroccan Sailing Federation, targets the region's young people, pupils and students, and will conclude with recommendations for projects dedicated to preserving the environment and the many assets of Dakhla and its region.

Ali Bakali, one of the kitesurf competitors, said that qualifying for this edition by winning the national championship allows him to compete for international titles. Spanish rider Danilla Morino said she was delighted to take part in the World Cup, hoping for favourable conditions to post good results.

This major sporting event, running until 6 October, is part of the programme organised by the Dakhla Lagoon Association to showcase all of Dakhla's natural, sporting, touristic and human potential.

SOURCE: h24info.ma