Throughout its existence , the Meeting International Mohammed VI d’Athlétisme, which has been part of the IAAF World Challenge circuit, has achieved a considerable notoriety by becoming the first meeting of the Diamond League to be held in Africa, said Mr.Ahizoune, during a press conference held on April, 21st 2016 .
This success was made possible thanks to the media coverage and the keen interest of a huge public who loyally has been present throughout all the editions, declared Ahizoune.
No doubt , this edition will mediatically be a huge success due to the presence of 150 TV-channels (foreign and national), stated Ahizoune.
On his part, announced Mr Wilfred Meert, coordinator of the Meeting International Mohammed VI d’Athlétisme and member of the Diamond League Board , that 39 athletes out of the 190 participants are either world or Olympic medalists.
The program of the 22 May includes 16 events of the Diamond League circuit (8 for Women and 8 for Men) with three optional events (Two for men and one for women), informed Mr Meert, organisator of the Memorial Van Damme.
Khalid Regoug, member of the Local Organizing Committee and of the Federation’s organisation commission officer , confirmed that Moulay Abdellah Sadium is ready to stage the event.
In his turn, Khalid Skah, member of the LOC, stated that the meeting will be a real test for the Moroccan athletes already qualified for the 2016 Olympic Games.
Athletes representing Morocco in this edition are Abdelaati Iguider, 1500m 2012 Olympic bronze medalist who will be competing this time on the 3000 meters, Aziz Ouhadi, who will take part the in the 200 meters, Hicham Sigueni and Brahim Boutaleb who will race the 3000 meters steeplechase, while Amine El Mansaoui and Abdelatif El Guesse will take part in the 800 meters race.
Among the Women, the Moroccan team will be represented Hayat Lambarki (400 meters hurdles), Malika Akkaoui, Siham Hilali and Rabab Arafi (800 meters) while Salima El Ouali Alami and Fadwa Sidi Madane will race the 3000 meters steeplechase.
Annualy organised since 2010 by the IAAF, the Diamond League is composed of 14 meetings after which, each year, a winner is crowned in each of the 16 events. It replaces the Golden League, a competition held from1998 to 2009.
26 April, 2016
