Laayoune has embarked on an ambitious series of initiatives aimed at constructing and equipping various sports infrastructures, with the goal of supporting youth, nurturing their talents in various sports disciplines, and enhancing their development.
These diverse sports projects will undoubtedly contribute to bolstering the hosting capabilities of the capital of the Moroccan desert for prominent international events in various sports categories.
The completion of these varied sports projects throughout the Laayoune region in 2023, including the inauguration of the Olympic swimming pool and the indoor sports hall covering an area of 2.6 hectares, signifies a strategic effort to improve athletic performance, promote social integration, and foster youth development in the region.
Among the projects realized by the regional government and the municipal council of Laayoune, the Olympic swimming pool and the covered sports hall, inaugurated last November with a total investment of 105 million Moroccan dirhams, stand out.
Operated by administrative, sports, and technical professionals under the Laayoune municipal council, the Olympic swimming pool is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including efficient systems and additional amenities such as changing rooms, stands, a medical clinic, and additional technical rooms.
These initiatives also include the completion of the “Al-Hazam” swimming pool in the Unity neighborhood, completed this year at a total cost of 20.5 million dirhams.
This project aims to enhance the category of sports infrastructure at the regional level.
Additionally, the construction of two covered swimming pools in the “25 March” and “Al-Qism” neighborhoods commenced in July last year, with a total investment of 18.2 million dirhams.
The “25 March” covered swimming pool, covering a total area of 9,500 square meters, including 2,500 square meters covered, boasts several additional facilities.
Simultaneously, the municipal swimming pool in the “Al-Qism” neighborhood (3322 square meters, including 1140 square meters covered) required a budget of 5.2 million dirhams.
In other developments, progress in the construction of the Laayoune Federal Football Training Center reached 45 percent, with a financial envelope estimated at around 160 million dirhams.
This new facility, covering an area of 10 hectares, including 7 hectares covered, will have a capacity of 120 trainees, including 40 girls.
Comprising a medical sports pole, a pedagogical and training pole, a restaurant, an administrative pole, two football fields, two mini football fields, and a swimming pool, the center is the result of a partnership agreement between the Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra region, the regional council, the municipal council of Laayoune, and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.
This year also witnessed the completion and rehabilitation of the “Sheikh Al-Aghzaf” football stadium, which was resurfaced with natural grass, providing an improved environment for football matches.
Laayoune has seen numerous sports projects, including the women’s club, multi-specialty covered halls, and proximity courts.
These projects aim to ensure the qualification and development of youth and enhance their sports skills through participation in various sports associations benefiting from these free facilities.
In this regard, two new sports halls and swimming pools were inaugurated in the “March 2” and “Wifaq” neighborhoods, covering an area of 2500 square meters, with investments totaling approximately 45 million dirhams.
Thus, Laayoune, a major city in the Moroccan desert, now boasts numerous capabilities and spaces qualifying it to become a primary destination for organizing various national and international sporting events.
It is worth noting that in November of last year, in Doha, Laayoune won the Sustainable and Flexible City Award at the 14th edition of the Arab Cities Organization Awards.
Furthermore, the Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra region received the “Euro-Mediterranean Region of Sport 2021” award from the European Capitals and Cities of Sport Federation (ACES Europe), recognizing the Kingdom’s efforts in developing sports in the southern regions, especially in the field of sports promotion.
