(ATR) Competition is underway across Morocco following the opening ceremony for the 12th African Games at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
The African Games will include 7,000 athletes from 54 nations in a total of 26 sports.
15 disciplines will serve as Olympic qualifiers.
After the original host country Equatorial Guinea said it could not host the games, Morocco quickly jumped in to take over with just eight months to prepare.
Journalists Ele Asu and Jalal Bouzara were the hosts of the opening ceremony.
The Republic of the Congo was the first nation to emerge in the parade of delegations. The DRC previously hosted the 11th edition of the Games in 2015, which was also the 50th anniversary.
Morocco was the final delegation to appear, welcomed with loud cheers by the Morrocan public.
For 35 years Morocco did not participate in the African Games due to political issues in regards to the Western Sahara territory dispute.
As the Games host, Morocco confirms its return to the African Union and the legal framework that governs the African Games.
Rabab Arabi, an 800 and 1500 mile runner took the athlete’s oath on behalf of the competitors. President of the Ghana Karate Association Melvin Brown took the second oath on behalf of the judges and representatives for the Games.
"We Love Africa" is the official song for the African Games.
The artist and producer RedOne performed a birthday rendition to head of state Mohammed VI, who will celebrate his 56th birthday Wednesday.
Homepage Photo Credit: AIPS Media
Written by Greer Wilson.
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