Aziz Akhannouch, Head of the Moroccan Government, arrived in Paris on Thursday afternoon to represent King Mohammed VI at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympics, scheduled to commence on Friday evening.
During his visit, Akhannouch will also take part in the “Sport and Sustainable Development Summit,” a joint initiative of the French Presidency and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), with support from the French Development Agency (AFD).
The summit will bring together heads of state and government, leaders of international organizations, athletes, representatives from the sports scene, and figures from the financial development sector.
Morocco is preparing to substantially contribute to the summer games, with a team of 60 athletes representing 19 disciplines. This year’s delegation, consisting of 42 men and 18 women, represents the country’s second-largest contingent in history, following the 72 athletes who participated in the 2012 London Olympics. The line up includes some high-profile athletes with extensive international competition experience.
At the opening ceremony, the Moroccan delegation will participate in a unique event in Olympic history, parading alongside other sports delegations from different countries on the Seine River in Paris.