In an interview with MAP, Mr. Belmahi stressed that this confidence, placed by African sports authorities in him, calls for more efforts to strengthen relations between the FRMC and all continental federations.
This support was mainly manifested through invitations addressed to the FRMC to take part in several competitions organized in the north, south or west of Africa, he added.
Mr. Belmahi affirmed that the commitment of the FRMC to put all its human, technical and logistical capacities at the service of the promotion of African cycling, is in harmony with the Vision initiated by HM King Mohammed VI which paved the way for the Kingdom to occupy a distinguished place on the African continent.
Furthermore, the FRMC president did not fail to praise the exceptional results obtained by Moroccan cyclists at the African Road and Track Championship, which was held in Egypt last week, noting that this tournament, which saw the participation of the most powerful African teams, notably Eritrea and Rwanda, is an essential step in qualifying for the World Road Championship which will take place in Belgium.
In this sense, he called for supporting these champions and bringing together all the conditions favorable to their development, in particular by providing them with velodromes that meet international standards, to obtain better results and represent Morocco in the best possible way in continental and world competitions.
Mr Belmahi also welcomed the continued support provided by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and the Moroccan National Olympic Committee during his campaign to win this seat on the UCI executive board, which was the subject of strong competition from representatives of some African countries, particularly South Africa.
Cycling does not only fulfil an entertainment function, explained the president of the federal body, noting that this discipline actively contributes to the integration of young people into society, by reinforcing a sense of belonging to a regional, local and national community.
In this regard, he indicated that throughout his career as FRMC President, he believed that “living together” was possible to a large extent through sport, noting that cycling would greatly contribute to bringing people together and spreading the principles of sustainable development.
His election as Africa’s representative in the UCI is of particular importance, he said, adding that this proves that African countries believe in the values carried by the Kingdom thanks to the enlightened Vision of HM King Mohammed VI, affirming that the Sovereign has led the way in contributing to human development in Africa.
At the General Assembly of the African Cycling Confederation, Moroccan Lahcen Khorsi was elected as a member of the executive board of the African body, while Egyptian Wajih Azzam was re-elected as head of the continental organization.
2024-09-24 17:58:08