The team from the Association of Parents and Friends of Mentally Handicapped Children of Casablanca was crowned after beating the team of the Amal Association for the Rehabilitation of Disability of Meknes in the final with a score of 4 to 1.
Third place in the Special Olympics Futsal Throne Cup went to the team from the Mohammed VI National Center for the Disabled in Fez.
At the end of this sporting event, Lalla Soumaya El Ouazzani, president of Special Olympics Morocco, presented the Throne Cup and the Goblet of Fire HRH Princess Lalla Amina to the winners.
The title of the 20th edition of the Cup of Fire HRH Princess Lalla Amina went to the team of the Al-Awael Association from the prefecture of M’diq Fnideq, winning in the final against the Atfal Biladi Association from El-Hajeb by 1 goal to 0, while the Tahadi Association team from Guelmim came in 3rd position.
A total of 24 associations participated in the qualifiers for the Futsal Throne Cup and HRH Princess Lalla Amina Fire Cup, divided into four groups representing the different regions of the Kingdom.
On this occasion, the national director of Special Olympics Morocco, Zaineb Larhrib indicated in a statement to the press that the 21st edition of the Special Olympics Futsal Throne Cup and the 20th edition of the Cup of Fire HRH Princess Lalla Amina, aroused enthusiasm like previous editions, whether in terms of the technical and organizational aspects as well as in terms of mobilization of associations and athletes, emphasizing that the objective of this competition consists of the pursuit efforts aimed at the integration of people with specific needs into society through sport.
Ms. Larhrib added that this objective is the one to which Special Olympics Morocco aspires, in accordance with the vision of HM King Mohammed VI, relating to the social inclusion of people with specific needs.
For his part, the player of the Association of Parents and Friends of Mentally Handicapped Children of Casablanca, Ait Aziz Abdel Ghani, indicated in a similar statement that the final was very competitive, adding that his teammates applied the instructions of the coach, which allowed them to control the match.
The player of the Al-Awael Association team from the M’diq Fnideq prefecture, Bakr Roudani, for his part, expressed his satisfaction at having won the Cup of Fire title HRH Princess Lalla Amina, adding that the match was enhanced by the remarkable presence of the supporters.
The Minister of National Education, Preschool and Sports, Mohamed Saad Berrada, the Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration and Family, Naima Ben took part in the final of the Special Olympics Futsal Throne Cup. Yahia, the Wali national coordinator of the National Initiative for Human Development, Mohamed Dardouri, as well as personalities from the world of sport and civil society.
Title: Celebrating Inclusion Through Sports: An Interview with Zaineb Larhrib, National Director of Special Olympics Morocco
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Zaineb! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. The recent Special Olympics Futsal Throne Cup wrapped up with some exciting results. Can you tell us more about the event and its significance?
Zaineb Larhrib (ZL): Thank you for having me! The event was truly exhilarating. This year, we had 24 associations participating in the Futsal Throne Cup and the Cup of Fire HRH Princess Lalla Amina. Our teams showcased incredible talent and spirit, which goes beyond just winning—it’s about inclusion, awareness, and celebrating the abilities of individuals with intellectual disabilities.
TNE: We saw the Association of Parents and Friends of Mentally Handicapped Children from Casablanca claim victory with an impressive score of 4-1 in the Futsal Throne Cup final. What does this victory represent for the team and the community?
ZL: Winning the Futsal Throne Cup is a monumental achievement for the Casablanca team. It represents years of hard work, dedication, and, most importantly, the belief that individuals with disabilities can excel in competitive environments. For the community, it fosters a sense of pride and unity, showing that when given the opportunity, they can achieve greatness.
TNE: That’s inspiring to hear. And what about the Cup of Fire HRH Princess Lalla Amina? The Al-Awael Association from M’diq Fnideq took home that title. How important is it to have multiple competitions like this?
ZL: Having various competitions is crucial! It not only allows more athletes to participate but also encourages healthy competition within different regions. Each tournament helps us identify and nurture talent while spreading awareness about the capabilities of these athletes. Events like these foster a culture of inclusion within our society, and the recognition from sporting events makes a significant impact.
TNE: You mentioned the enthusiastic response from participants and spectators. What kind of reactions did you witness this year?
ZL: The atmosphere was electric! Families, friends, and supporters came out in large numbers, cheering for their teams. The joy and pride were palpable. Many participants expressed their happiness simply to be included in such a prestigious event. It reminds us that sports can bridge gaps and bring people together regardless of their abilities.
TNE: Looking ahead, what are your hopes for future editions of these events?
ZL: I hope to see even more participation in the coming years. The goal is to expand the reach of the Special Olympics in Morocco, bringing together various associations and fostering an environment where athletes can shine. We want to show that disability does not diminish one’s abilities. My vision is for more events, increased media coverage, and greater community involvement to further raise awareness.
TNE: That sounds fantastic, Zaineb! Thank you for sharing your insights with us today. It’s clear that the Special Olympics are not just about sports; they’re about creating a more inclusive society.
ZL: Thank you for this opportunity to discuss such an important topic! Together, we can continue to make a difference and champion the cause of inclusion through sports.