Laâyoune hosted the African Sports Media Forum over the past weekend, welcoming prominent guests from both national and international spheres of sports, including journalists, sports show hosts, and former players who have left an indelible mark on the field.
Guests, in separate statements to Le360, expressed their amazement at the developmental projects and infrastructure that have touched various facets of the Moroccan Sahara, particularly in the realm of sports.
Laâyoune has emerged as an outstanding sports city, boasting an impressive array of approximately 90 fully-equipped football pitches, complemented by swimming pools, including the recently inaugurated Olympic swimming pool—the fourth of its kind in the kingdom.
The speakers conveyed their fascination with the diverse projects they visited in Laâyoune, acknowledging the state’s commitment to the southern regions, with a special focus on Laâyoune, making it well-suited to host major international sports events.
The African sports forum, featuring notable figures such as Saïd Chiba, coach of the national football team for under 17s, Mohammed Taimoumi, a star from the 1986 World Cup, and Riadh El Beïouzi, a former star of Tunisian football, alongside various journalists, is poised to contribute significantly to the development of sports journalism and athletics in the city.
The event is expected to raise awareness of the sports-related initiatives taking place in the region.
As Laâyoune continues to establish itself as a hub for sports excellence, these influential figures’ endorsements and positive impressions underscore the city’s commitment to becoming a focal point for international sports competitions, thereby showcasing the vibrant and growing sports landscape of the region.
