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Moroccan Paralympic Team Touches Down in Paris, Eyes Medal Haul

Thursday 22 August 2024 - 13:45

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The Moroccan Paralympic delegation has landed in Paris, marking the beginning of their quest for glory at the 2024 Paralympic Games. With a rich history of success and a team of seasoned athletes, Morocco is poised to make a significant impact on the world stage once again.

As the athletes stepped off the plane at Paris's Orly Airport, the air was charged with anticipation and determination. The Games, scheduled from August 28 to September 8, will see 182 nations compete across 22 sports, showcasing the pinnacle of para-athletic achievement.

Morocco's contingent of 38 athletes will be competing in a diverse array of events, including para athletics, wheelchair tennis, para-powerlifting, para-taekwondo, para-road cycling, and goalball. This broad spectrum of participation underscores the nation's commitment to excellence across multiple disciplines.

Mustapha Fkeoui, Secretary General of the Royal Moroccan Federation of Sports for Persons with Disabilities (FRMSPSH), articulated the team's ambitious objectives. "In Paris, our aim is not just to participate but to win as many medals as possible," he stated in an interview with MAP. Fkeoui emphasized the caliber of the Moroccan athletes, noting, "These are elite athletes who are already decorated champions, and we aim not only for medals but also to set world records."

Among the athletes to watch is Azzedine Nouiri, a seasoned Paralympic champion in shotput. Competing in his fourth Paralympic Games, Nouiri exudes confidence and determination. "I am determined to achieve new personal bests and to stand on the podium again, as I have in previous editions," he declared.

The delegation also includes rising stars like Najwa Awane, a wheelchair tennis champion making her Paralympic debut. Awane's enthusiasm was palpable as she shared, "It's a dream come true! Thanks to my African Championship title, I am competing in the Paralympics. We have trained extensively and will give our all to achieve the best possible results."

Morocco's Paralympic journey began at the Seoul 1988 Games, and since then, the nation has amassed an impressive total of 38 medals: 16 gold, 11 silver, and 11 bronze. This track record of success sets a high bar for the current team, but also serves as a source of inspiration and motivation.

The 85-member Moroccan delegation comprises not only the 38 competing athletes but also a comprehensive support team of technical, administrative, logistical, and medical staff. This holistic approach to athlete support demonstrates Morocco's commitment to providing its Paralympians with every possible advantage as they compete on the world stage.

As the Paralympic flame prepares to ignite in Paris, the Moroccan team stands ready to add another glorious chapter to their nation's sporting legacy. With a blend of experienced champions and promising newcomers, Morocco's Paralympic athletes are set to captivate audiences and push the boundaries of human potential.