The kick-off for the 10th edition of the Sahraouiya solidarity raid, held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, took place on Sunday in Dakhla, marking an unprecedented feminine adventure that continues until February 10.
Organized by the Dakhla Lagoon Association for the development of sports and cultural activities, this year’s edition sees the participation of 50 female competitors from different regions of Morocco, as well as from the African continent and Europe, notably France, which will be represented by 11 groups, the largest contingent per country ever mobilized.
The 10th edition is also marked by the participation of eight students from #Rwanda, Ghana, Madagascar, and Cape Verde, representing the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI).
This exclusively female sports event unfolds in pairs, from start to finish, providing an experience of sharing and cooperation between the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the golden sand dunes.
On this occasion, Leila Ouachi, president of the Dakhla Lagoon Association and the event’s initiator, stated to MAP that the Sahraouiya Raid aims to celebrate the values of solidarity and commitment to a humanitarian cause, specifically supporting residents of disadvantaged areas.
In this context, she mentioned that a charity gala will be organized to raise funds for the opening of an SOS Village reception house in Dakhla for orphans, including children affected by the Al Haouz earthquake last September.
Mrs. Ouachi also explained that the Raid aims to make sport a vector for the emancipation and empowerment of women, encouraging them to get involved in social and solidarity action, as all participants represent civil society associations.
Moreover, the Sahraouiya Raid contributes to the international reputation of the city of Dakhla by allowing foreign participants to closely discover the unique natural landscapes of the Dakhla-Oued-Eddahab region, combining sea and desert, highlighted Mrs. Ouachi, emphasizing the cultural aspect of this event that introduces the rich Hassani heritage.
Participants, whether beginners or professional athletes, compete in various challenges (Boot camp, canoeing, run & bike, trail, mountain biking orientation race) spread over four days. This sports challenge is also an exploration raid of unprecedented Moroccan landscapes.
The opening ceremony of the 10th edition of Sahraouiya took place in the presence of the Secretary-General of the Department of Culture at the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, Samira Malizi, and the Secretary-General of the Wilaya of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region, Karim Anzali.